Page:Lily Gair Wilkinson - Revolutionary Socialism and the Woman's Movement.djvu/6

Rh What then is the position of revolutionary Socialism towards this modern feminist movement? How far is Socialism in sympathy with feminism, and in what are the two movements antagonistic? Before stating the difference it is better to show the points of agreement. Briefly stated, the sympathy between Socialism and feminism consists in this:—both are alike antagonistic to the reactionary principles of the "anti-feminists."

These reactionary principles are based upon the theory that women are naturally subject to men because they are naturally inferior. This assertion is generally made with a pretty "half-concealing, half-revealing" veil of sentiment, but, plainly stated, it would appear to mean that social inequality of the sexes is the necessary result of the physical and mental inferiority of the female sex. Now, this statement is nothing more than a loose generalisation made from the consideration of a few particular cases; to prove it satisfactorily would entail an enormous amount of labour in the way of research, experiment, and statistical enquiry, carried out by persons of proved capacity. As it is, however, the charge comes from wholly irresponsible, not to say prejudiced, quarters, and is made without true scientific authority. In our present state of knowledge we have no proof of either physical or mental inferiority in the female sex. It must always be remembered that right development in both sexes brings with it great and necessary differences between male and female. The healthy, well-developed woman does not become masculine, either physically or mentally, any more than the healthy man becomes feminine. Woman's aim is not to reach to man's estate, but to her own. This must not on any account be disregarded in making a comparison between men and women; if it is the comparison will have no value. Bearing this in mind, it can easily be seen that the usual arguments in no way prove the inferiority of women.

As regards physique, recent scientific research does not bear out the theory of female inferiority. We must not judge from mere outward appearance; superior physique is not proved by superior height, nor by superior strength of certain muscles, such as the biceps in the arm. A better standard to judge by would seem to be the total vitality of the individual as manifested in the physique. In this respect what evidence modern research has given goes to show that women on the average are actually superior to men. This would appear to be a strange anomaly, considering the disadvantages imposed upon women in regard to physical develop-