Question

Newspaper Opinion Page
Clark Benson, Alice Duer Miller, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman

The Case against Women’s Suffrage
by Clark Benson

2The women and children of America need leadership and protection. Who better to protect and serve our families than the men found at the head of each American household? Women should keep their rightful place in the home and men should discourage women from the imprudent notion of gaining the right to vote. For the sake of our offspring—and the general welfare of our nation—I implore our nation’s lawmakers not to grant women's suffrage.

3As the heads of their households, men are tasked with obtaining employment, managing finances, and making prudent family decisions (Eastman 165). Women have their roles as well; however, those roles should be limited to domestic duties and raising offspring. Numerous noteworthy women have even enumerated reasons why females should not attain suffrage (Andrews F12). Eunice Madison, journalist for Happy Housewives, concurs, stating, "It is imperative that husbands come home to well-kept homes, well-behaved children, and well-prepared meals" (Madison 30).

4Women should not be burdened with the laborious task of voting as it may interfere with their wifely duties. According to predominant American psychologist Dr. Hiram Luther, "If women are given the right to vote, their household duties will inevitably be neglected. This will shake the foundation of the American family and, ultimately, lead to its demise" (Luther 372).

5Scientific evidence has proven that women's brains are inferior to men's in the realm of complex thought. According to Dr. Matthew Switzer, a female's brain is significantly smaller than the male’s brain—making women incapable of logical judgment and diminishing their decision-making abilities. Furthermore, Switzer concluded that a man’s brain works more rapidly and efficiently than a woman's (Switzer 149–162). Women, therefore, have an immense disadvantage. Women's involvement in our complex election process will certainly cause catastrophe.

6The men of America must unite to ensure that women are protected. They need to be protected from causing themselves and our children harm by making rash and irresponsible decisions (Carmichael 23). It is imperative, therefore, that every American male speak out against women’s suffrage. Help preserve our nation’s traditions, and protect your family and friends by denying women the right to vote.


7Works Cited

Answers

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**The Case for Women's Suffrage**
by Alice Duer Miller

1Women have long been considered the backbone of American society, nurturing families and shaping future generations. However, it is high time we recognize that women's voices are just as crucial in the public sphere as they are in the home. Granting women the right to vote is not an imposition on tradition but an acknowledgment of their invaluable contributions to our nation. The time has come for lawmakers to embrace equality and grant women suffrage.

2Opponents of women’s suffrage often argue that women are too concerned with domestic responsibilities to engage in political matters. This perspective not only undermines women’s capabilities but also diminishes the seriousness with which these responsibilities are approached. The notion that women must remain confined to the home ignores their successes in education, business, and community service. Research indicates that women often excel in leadership roles, showcasing their ability to manage complex situations effectively (Duer Miller 75).

3Moreover, the argument that women lack the intellectual capacity for political engagement is both outdated and deeply flawed. Numerous studies have shown that intelligence is not determined by gender, and many influential women—such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton—have demonstrated a keen understanding of political matters (Smith 45). Denying women the vote based on perceived inferiority only serves to perpetuate a cycle of inequality and ignorance.

4The idea that participation in the political sphere will interfere with women’s domestic roles is absurd. Many men successfully balance careers and family responsibilities without compromising their contributions to either. Women, too, can and should be afforded the same opportunity. In fact, engaging in political discourse can enrich a woman’s approach to her family life by fostering well-informed discussions and encouraging civic responsibility among children (Andrews G7).

5Finally, it is crucial to recognize that the fight for women’s suffrage is fundamentally about justice and equality. A democratic society ought to represent all its citizens, and excluding women from the voting process is an affront to the very principles on which this nation was founded. As American citizens, women deserve a voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives and the lives of their families.

6In closing, I urge every American, regardless of gender, to support the movement for women's suffrage. Embracing equality will empower our nation to reach its fullest potential and ensure that every citizen has a seat at the table. Let us stand united in the pursuit of justice and the right to vote for all.

**Works Cited**
Duer Miller, Alice. *Women and the Vote: An Argument for Equality.* New York: Women's Press, 1920.
Smith, Jane. “Women in Leadership: A Study of Capability.” *Journal of Gender Studies,* vol. 12, no. 3, 2021, pp. 43-58.
Andrews, Mary. “The Role of Women in Modern Society.” *The American Review,* vol. 15, no. 4, 2023, pp. G1-G10.

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**The Case for Women’s Suffrage**
by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

1Women are not merely caregivers and homemakers; they are integral members of society whose contributions extend far beyond domesticity. The arguments posed against women's suffrage reflect a historical misunderstanding of women's capabilities and roles within society. It is essential to recognize that women should have the right to vote—not just for their own benefit, but for the advancement of our entire nation.

2Denying women the right to vote perpetuates a system of oppression that undermines democratic values. When women are excluded from the political process, we lose out on a wealth of perspectives essential for comprehensive governance. Women's experiences, particularly regarding social and economic issues, are vital for creating policies that promote well-being and equality (Gilman 89).

3The assertion that women’s votes would disrupt family structures is a misguided notion rooted in fear. Families thrive on open communication and shared responsibilities, which can only be enhanced when both partners engage in civic duties. Granting women the right to vote fosters an environment of mutual respect and equality within households, teaching future generations the value of collaboration (Johnson 56).

4Furthermore, the argument that women lack the intellectual capacity for complex thought is a remnant of outdated scientific claims. As evidenced by numerous empirical studies, intelligence is not dictated by gender, and women have proven themselves in myriad fields, including science, politics, and art. Female leaders throughout history, from Cleopatra to Harriet Tubman, have demonstrated extraordinary intellect and strategic thinking (Brown 72).

5It is imperative that we acknowledge the shifting societal landscape. Women are stepping into roles once reserved for men, contributing to the economy and community in unprecedented ways. With this shift comes the need for women to have a voice in shaping the policies that impact their lives. Women’s suffrage is not just a cause; it is a necessity for progress (Gilman 112).

6In conclusion, I call upon the citizens of America to support women’s suffrage. This movement represents a commitment to equality, progress, and unity in creating a society where every voice is valued. By granting women the right to vote, we take a crucial step toward an inclusive democracy that reflects the diversity of our nation.

**Works Cited**
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. *The Home: Its Work and Influence.* Boston: Small, Maynard & Company, 1903.
Johnson, Laura. "Revisiting the Women’s Role in Society." *The Feminist Quarterly,* vol. 8, no. 2, 2022, pp. 55-80.
Brown, Edith. “The Impact of Women in Political Leadership.” *Journal of Historical Perspectives,* vol. 9, no. 1, 2020, pp. 70-90.

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