WEST-E Social Studies Practice Test

What social issues did John Stuart Mill advocate for?

1. Women’s suffrage and labor rights

2. Monarchy and traditional societal structures

3. Environmental protection and conservation

4. Global trade and economic advancement

The correct answer is: Women’s suffrage and labor rights

John Stuart Mill was a prominent philosopher and social reformer who significantly contributed to discussions about individual liberty, social justice, and equality in the 19th century. He is particularly well-known for advocating women's rights and suffrage, arguing that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men. Mill believed that achieving gender equality was essential for the advancement of society as a whole. In addition to women's suffrage, Mill actively supported labor rights. He argued that workers should have a say in their working conditions and advocated for better labor practices. His views were grounded in utilitarianism, which emphasized the greatest happiness for the greatest number, suggesting that fair treatment of all individuals, including workers and women, leads to a more just and harmonious society. In contrast, the other options do not align with Mill's ideals. He was not supportive of monarchy or traditional societal structures, as he believed in individual freedom and reforming society. While environmental protection has become a pressing issue in contemporary discourse, it was not a focus of Mill's advocacy during his time. Similarly, although he recognized the importance of economic considerations, his core advocacy did not center on global trade but rather on social equality and individual rights.