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J. S. Mill on Wages and Women: A Feminist Critique

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  • Jennifer Ball

Abstract

"J. S. Mill on Wages and Women" questions the common belief that Mill, despite his feminism, never suggested an end to the sexual division of labor because of his devotion to the concept of efficiency and other tenets of classical economics. A review of Mill's analysis of a competitive labor market indicates that he believed it to be fully consistent with women's equality in the workforce. In fact, in his works on women, it becomes clear that Mill was concerned that the logical extension of classical economic principles might lead to the commodification of domestic duties, including child rearing, a notion he evidently feared. Therefore, it was Mill's fear of, rather than dedication to, extreme allegiance to efficiency and unimpeded capitalism that limited his feminism.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer Ball, 2001. "J. S. Mill on Wages and Women: A Feminist Critique," Review of Social Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 59(4), pages 509-527.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rsocec:v:59:y:2001:i:4:p:509-527
    DOI: 10.1080/00346760110081607
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