Why Read Wollstonecraft Today?

What relevance does Mary Wollstonecraft's thought have today? In this insightful book, Sandrine Bergès engages Wollstonecraft with contemporary social and political issues, demonstrating how this pioneering eighteenth-century feminist philosopher addressed concerns that resonate strongly with those faced by twenty-first-century feminists. Wollstonecraft's views on oppression, domination, gender, slavery, social equality, political economics, health, and education underscore her commitment to defending the rights of all who are oppressed. Her ideas shed light on challenges we face in social and political philosophy, including intersectionality, health inequalities, universal basic income, and masculinity. Clear and accessible, this book is an invaluable resource for students and anyone interested in discovering who Mary Wollstonecraft was and how her ideas can help us navigate the struggles of today's feminist movement.

List of contents

Acknowledgments/Preface; 1. Defender of rights; 2. Standing up for all the oppressed; 3. The caged life; 4. The body; 5. Happy families; 6. Working for a living; 7. Philosophy, progress, and real politics; 8. Where will the men go?; References.

About the author

Sandrine Bergès is British Academy Global Professor in the Department of Philosophy, University of York and Professor Department of Philosophy, Bilkent University. She has written books and articles on women in the history of philosophy, including Mary Wollstonecraft, Sophie de Grouchy and Olympe de Gouges.

Product details

• Authors: Sandrine Bergès
• Publisher: Cambridge Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 31.01.2026
• EAN: 9781009360036
• ISBN: 978-1-009-36003-6
• Weight: 500 g
• Illustrations: Worked examples or Exercises
• Series: Why Read Them Today
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Miscellaneous; PHILOSOPHY / Political, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Women in Politics, Social & political philosophy, Political science & theory, social and political philosophy, Gender studies: women, Political science and theory, Gender studies: women and girls