# How does The Subjection of Women develop the theme of Education and Social Conditioning?

> The Subjection of Women by John Stuart Mill

## Answer

The Subjection of Women by John Stuart Mill develops Education and Social Conditioning across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Mill argues that perceived differences in mental capacity between men and women are largely the result of unequal education and social conditioning, not inherent nature.

Mill asserts that the 'nature of women' is artificially created through forced repression and unnatural stimulation.

Mill notes that women are trained away from occupations reserved for men, and their lack of complaint is due to social conditioning, not genuine contentment.

Mill asserts that breaking down barriers would expand women's faculties and moral sentiments, and that the current system fosters self-worship and unjust self-preference in men.

## Evidence

- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_subjection_of_women_se/chapters/i.md): Mill asserts that the 'nature of women' is artificially created through forced repression and unnatural stimulation.
- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_subjection_of_women_se/chapters/iii.md): Mill notes that women are trained away from occupations reserved for men, and their lack of complaint is due to social conditioning, not genuine contentment.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_subjection_of_women_se/chapters/iv.md): Mill asserts that breaking down barriers would expand women's faculties and moral sentiments, and that the current system fosters self-worship and unjust self-preference in men.
- [endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_subjection_of_women_se/chapters/endnotes.md): Notes that these princesses had no political education, yet governed effectively, highlighting the role of social conditioning versus innate ability.

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