Introduction
Despite significant efforts toward equality, women’s rights remain a controversial topic. Equality of sexes is directly correlated to society’s sustainable development and is crucial for attaining human rights for everyone. The aim of achieving gender balance is a world where women have equal access to opportunities as men in every sphere of life. Hamilton contends that there should be equal distributions of influence and power between men and women (Todd, 1867).
Given the struggles they have endured throughout history, women’s rights are critical. This enables women to make critical decisions regarding marriage and pursue their professional aspirations beyond traditional duties. However, critics such as John Todd argue that women should accept their God-given role to serve under men. The key aspect of women’s rights is giving them autonomy to make independent decisions and manage their lives.
Dr. Todd’s Perspective
Mental superiority, biological differences, divine design, and lack of innovation are the key arguments presented by John Todd against women’s rights. Regarding biological differences, Todd argued that sexes differ in bodily strength, weight, and height, with each gender’s physical attributes typically planned for contrasting ends. Compared to men, Todd asserted that women are more fragile and, as such, cannot occupy the same sphere as men. More specifically, he stated, “God… has given her a physical organization so refined and delicate that it can never bear the strain” (Todd, 1867). Therefore, because of divine design, women have to accept their position in the world.
Differences in physical and sexual development have and continue to place women at a disadvantage. Todd (1867) further argued that women were denied the power of invention, pointing out that female applications are lacking with the various types of invention in the present age. While Todd acknowledged men’s innovative and physical prowess over women, he concurred that females often display mental superiority. In his words, a woman’s mind is more elastic, quicker, and flexible, and thus, can quickly learn various topics and have better intuition (Todd, 1867). While flawed, Todd’s assumptions exemplify societal expectations and views on women that have persisted over time, undermining the importance of equality of sexes.
Gail Hamilton’s Counterarguments
Gail Hamilton disagrees’ with Todd’s views on women and advocates for their rights and sexual equality. In response to Todd’s argument on women’s lack of innovative abilities, Hamilton argued that women have never been artisans or investors (Hamilton, 1868). Consequently, this makes this an irrelevant matter with no correlation to women’s rights.
Hamilton argued that society cannot discern principles and pass judgment without considering their implications on men and women. Additionally, Hamilton countered Todd’s argument on biological differences, often leaving women with limited opportunities. According to Hamilton, men and women are inextricably interwoven, and physical differences should not create a dividing line between them.
Furthermore, “the child’s mind and heart are the offspring of his father and mother” (Hamilton, 1868). Apart from the gender gaps in physical attributes, women face inequality in specific areas of the profession. In contrast to Todd’s argument that women’s place is in housekeeping, motherhood, and marriage, Hamilton articulated that women should be given the autonomy to perform duties outside traditional gender roles (Hamilton, 1868). Skills such as innovation and problem-solving are influenced by an individual’s environment, not inherent gender attributes.
Major Points of Disagreements
Hamilton and Todd have contrasting views on sexual equality and women’s rights, but three points stand out the most. The first area with contradicting viewpoints was on voting rights. According to Todd, men earn the wealth of age while women expend it. About this, Todd denies women the right to exercise suffrage. Like men, women can form intelligent opinions on various topics, from internal improvements to politics. Hamilton stated that silencing women so men go unopposed is tyranny, and self-appointed representation contradicts the concept of equality (Hamilton, 1868). Arguing that women should not vote because men sufficiently represent them denies them their civil rights.
Another key difference was on the subject of gender roles. Todd argued that women’s dignity and honor lie in their dependence as daughters, mothers, and wives, but Hamilton questioned the warrant of this affirmation. Societal expectations and traditional gender roles should not limit women to pursue their dreams. Christ had devoted female friends and preached to them publicly and privately (Todd, 1867).
Hamilton argued that as Christ showed divine tenderness to women, so should fellow men and that they should not be treated as inferior beings. The third point of disagreement was on equality of the sexes. Todd (1867) posited that women cannot endure the pressure of continued labor as men. Hamilton asserted that such forms of bias deny women equal opportunities, which should instead be based on individual capabilities. Biological differences do not justify inequality and stereotypes against women.
Effectiveness of Hamilton’s Responses
Hamilton effectively refutes Todd’s arguments by providing supporting points. For one, Hamilton highlighted female stereotyping, from voting rights to professionalism. Todd claimed that there is no record of significant inventions made by women since they cannot compete with men in terms of mental labor. Hamilton contradicted this claim by providing evidence of women’s contributions throughout history. Hamilton undermined Todd’s argument that men are inherently better than women.
Additionally, Hamilton’s logical reasoning regarding women’s roles based on Christ’s teachings presented a compelling counterargument. Hamilton made justifiable equivalences with relevant and practical examples. Focusing on key objections and keeping arguments concise and straightforward made it easy to follow Hamilton’s points. Todd has a traditional and restrictive view of women’s role and position in society, which Hamilton strongly challenges by stating that Christ looked upon women and treated them as human beings (Hamilton, 1868). Generally, Hamilton’s reasons were logical and directly relative to Todd’s claims.
Conclusion
Gender inequality is a pervasive form of inequality, with women being the most disadvantaged in accessing social, economic, and political resources. Critical to promoting equality of sexes is an emphasis on women’s rights. Focusing on giving women more opportunities and autonomy would ensure a power balance. Women’s rights are often viewed as a variation of societal expectations. The debate between Todd and Hamilton particularly illuminated the barriers to gender equality.
Conceptions of women as mothers, daughters, and wives have long predetermined their primary position in society. Addressing women’s rights and responsibilities entails recognizing gender stereotypes and sexism—nonetheless, women’s rights imply changes in men’s social identity. Equitable societies are based on redefinitions of gender roles and individual rights in every aspect of life, including politics and the workplace. Challenging harmful norms that drive gender-based discrimination is imperative to achieving an equitable society.
Reference
Todd, John (1867). Women’s Rights. Lee & Shepard.
Hamilton, Gail (1868). Women’s Wrongs. Ticknor & Fields.