Pareto and the Woman Question

Abstract This article analyzes the woman question in Vilfredo Pareto's thought. It demonstrates that, throughout his life, he consistently supported women's unrestricted access to all occupations and endorsed political equality—though not universal suffrage—for both sexes. However, the article shows that over time Pareto became increasingly concerned that feminism might lead to the dissolution of the family, the destruction of wealth, and the subversion of the existing social order: For him economic growth and social stability depend on women maintaining their traditional role within the family. The article also addresses methodological issues related to the use of unintentional sources.