Dystopian representation of women in Thomas More’s Utopia

Authors : Mehtap Sarıarslan

Pages : 445-454

View : 22 | Download : 85

Publication Date : 2025-10-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Although Thomas More wrote Utopia to depict his ideal, utopic World, his portrayal of women in the book was quite controversial in terms of gender and equality. It has been receiving quite a reaction from the critics since it was published. With the rise of the gender studies and women’s studies, the reaction hit the peak, especially in the 21st century. More limited the power of the ruling class and made remarkable changes in the public sphere of his ideal society living in Utopia to create a better country; however, he kept some institutions in Utopia as they were in the 14th century England. He did not abolish slavery and he did not change the status of women in society in Utopia. Women were still expected to be submissive and subordinated compared to men. They still had the responsibilities of cooking, serving food, and child up-bringing. More’s utopic land, Utopia was and is a dystopia for women as all chores, tasks, responsibilities or rights were not distributed equally and as women were still seen as objects and properties of men.
Keywords : ütopya, distopya, cinsiyet ayrımcılığı, kadın hakları

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