Page:The Woman Socialist - Snowden - 1907.djvu/53

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Woman under Socialism
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the country. Women have no part in this work at present; hence the political enfranchisement of women must precede the establishment of Socialism. That the raising of women to the present position of men would be a great step in the direction of Socialism, and would be a change as revolutionary and far-reaching in its effects as the nationalisation of the land, mines, and railways.

That women calling themselves Socialist ought to put their own question before all others, working for the freeing of women of all classes. That centuries of sexual and domestic enslavement have caused to be evolved the idea that woman's sphere ought to be limited to the bearing of children and the keeping of the house.

In considering the position of the Woman Socialist, one great central fact must be borne constantly in mind. What she will be, what she will do, how she will live—all will depend upon one great fact, the greatest fact in Socialism, a fact which constitutes Socialism, namely, that she will be economically free. That is, her livelihood will be assured to her by the community in return for some service done by her.