Question

Compare the positions on the question of women’s rights voiced by the three writers Carl Welcker, Louise Otto-Peters, and Anonymous. What do they reveal about liberal ideology?

Answer 1

1. The liberal politician Carl Welcker, an elected member of the Frank Parliament, states that women are weaker than men, and their sphere is the home, where they raise children and perform household duties such as cooking, washing, and cleaning. Equality between the sexes, or between woman and man, would only endanger harmony and undermine family dignity.
2. According to Louise Otto-Peters, a political activist and the creator of a women’s journal and a feminist political association, men try for freedom and liberty for all, yet their tireless efforts benefit only men. She argued that liberty cannot be split between men and women.
3. An Anonymous writer says that Women should not be denied the right to vote while an ignorant male is allowed to vote. The preceding discussion demonstrates that Louise Otto-Peters and the Anonymous writer support women on the grounds of liberty and equality. The first author does not support women’s rights to liberty and equality.