Not Being a Man in Rousseau

Abstract

With his reference book Emile, Jean Jacques Rousseau put another stone to the pavements of upcoming educational and sociological theories. Along with other works of him, Emile is a significant one for the field of education. It introduces the child as a subject for the first time. Emile is regarded as an adult and offered choices to learn. He is treated with respect, honor and given the privilege of individuality. Although Rousseau is respected for being first in his kind in terms of child individuality, he persistently kept the traditions of his era while treating women. The goodness of human nature and the ability of man to learn on his own by curiosity were all put aside when it came to women education. Their education was structured to be useful for men. His man is free, liberate and valuable on his own; however, women are instruments for the society.