• Gender influences our understanding of "self."
• This influence can be overt (obvious) or covert (hidden and possibly damaging).
• Real-world example: In ads, men are often portrayed as strong and independent, while women are shown as nurturing and passive, subtly shaping our expectations of gender roles.

• Early advocate for women's rights.
• Famed for her work "A Vindication of the Rights of Women."
• Argued women have the same rational ability as men, and are only inferior due to limited access to education.
• Real-world example: Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist, echoes Wollstonecraft's philosophy as she fights for girls' right to education.

Reflection Questions

• Consider how Wollstonecraft's arguments resonate today. Does her work sound feminist?
• Pay attention to her use of words like “modest,” “wisdom,” “chastity,” “humility,” “arrogance,” bashfulness,” “shamefulness,” and “virtue.” How do these concepts contribute to her argument?

• Encourages women to aspire to their best selves.
• Provides a platform for women to inspire each other.
• Real-world example: The #LikeAGirl campaign by Always is similar, redefining the phrase from an insult to a statement of strength.

Reflection Questions

• Compare and contrast this campaign with Wollstonecraft's ideas. Does it empower women or reinforce stereotypes?
• Think about the target audience. Is it different from Wollstonecraft's?