Louise Dupin's Work on Women: Selections

The eighteenth-century text Work on Women by Louise Dupin is a comprehensive feminist analysis of inequality, often overlooked. Angela Hunter and Rebecca Wilkin offer the first-ever edition of selected translations, contextualizing Dupin's arguments and the work's construction. Dupin argues that French jurists have disenfranchised women through reductive interpretations of Roman law, leading to an abusive, illegitimate contract in modern marriage. She also shows how scientists, historians, and everyday conversation perpetuate women's weakness. This volume challenges established narratives of intellectual history and appeals to readers interested in hearing new voices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The eighteenth-century text "Work on Women" by Louise Dupin (also known as Madame Dupin, 1706-1799) stands as a profound feminist analysis of inequality, often overlooked in the annals of the French Enlightenment. In this groundbreaking work, Angela Hunter and Rebecca Wilkin present the first-ever edition of selected translations of Dupin's extensive project, which was developed from manuscript drafts. Through insightful introductions to the four sections of "Work on Women" (Science, History and Religion, Law, and Education and Mores), Hunter and Wilkin contextualize Dupin's arguments and elucidate the work's construction, including the significant role played by her secretary, Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

At the heart of Dupin's central claim in "Work on Women" lies the assertion that French jurists have, through reductive interpretations of Roman law, gradually disenfranchised women. As a consequence, modern marriage has been established on an abusive and illegitimate contract, which enriches one party while impoverishing the other. This profound injustice is perpetuated by the masculine vanity that perpetuates men's superiority, diminishes women's worth, and distorts various realms of knowledge. Dupin astutely demonstrates how esteemed scientists have incorporated old notions of women's weakness into new understandings of the body, while historians either denigrate or erase the contributions of female rulers from historical narratives. Even in everyday conversations, men assert their entitlement to social dominance through casual misogyny.

Despite advocating for meaningful education for girls, Dupin recognizes the need for reform in the upbringing of boys as well. She believes that addressing gender inequality requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the societal and cultural norms that perpetuate gender disparities.

"Work on Women" fills an important gap in the history of feminist thought, offering fresh perspectives that challenge established narratives of intellectual history. This volume will resonate with readers eager to hear new voices that challenge the status quo and advocate for a more equitable and inclusive society.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190090104