First Wave of Plato's Republic Book V

In the first wave of Plato Republic V, Socrates states that capable women must have equal education as capable men and have equal rights in leadership with guardian men. However, it is then stated that the male gender is superior to the female gender in almost every profession, and goes even further to state that women are weaker then men. This essay will discuss the significance of Socrates' proposal along with why Socrates has such a radical interpretation of equality. The main argument throughout the first wave is that men and women should equally share the duties in their community, their education, studies, and physical training should be equal in both genders. The significance of Socrates' proposal shows his necessity for creating the ideal utopian society. During Socrates' time women were have thought to be nothing more than a common "housewife", men were the "bread winners" the head of the family, an all around for the most part, patriarchal society. So by Socrates stating his proposition that women should have the same social equivalence to men, in the work place, at home, and should even be Guardians, was an extremely radical view for its' time. However, because of Socrates' strive for creating a utopian society it is understood that his view is necessary to keep peace. As proven throughout the history that follows Socrates' times, for example during the suffrage movement in the United States, a women's equality is was shown to be equally important as a mans'. Therefore it is to be thought by Socrates, that his proposition is in fact true, since both male and female must live and work together, peacefully, in society. Socrates' surrounding society believes that men and women are of different natures so they should do different work. Socrates explains that the concept of nature that society has developed is not relevant to the real consideration of a person's nature. Socrates explains that a person's nature as thought to be in society is one that reflects only certain aspects of a person, such as personality, learning ability, and body type. However a person's nature according to Socrates is something of which they are born with and are equal between both genders. Meaning that if a woman's body and intellect is suited for her to be a leader she can be a leader, and if her body and intellect is suited to fight in the army then she can because of her nature. But because women are being perceived as weaker if a woman was to become a leader or a Guardian her duties would be "lighter" than a mans. If Socrates' proposal was to be enacted in his present society, it would be extremely hard for it to catch on. Because his society believes that a woman's capability is stated in her gender it would be hard to reform their views to such a radical theory. In conclusion I believe that Socrates' proposition is true and I do feel as if it can be inferred that women tend to be weaker. However, it does not take into account all women because some women are stronger then some men. It is all based on a person's personality; if a person has the ability to be a leader and take charge then they will be a good leader, if a person is not lazy and enjoys being physically fit and has self discipline then they could be in an army. The point is that gender does not matter it is what he/she thinks they are capable of doing rather then what society believes he/she is can do.