Kant’s Sexism Reconsidered: A Critical Account of Kant’s Theory of Citizenship in the Context of Theodor von Hippel’s and Amalia Holst’s Theories of Women’s Duties

Abstract This article reconsiders Kant’s theory of citizenship in the light of various Enlightenment debates on the duties and rights of women. First, the paper analyzes Kant’s view of women as passive citizens, confined to reproductive labour and domestic subordination, and highlights the class bias in his account. Second, it examines Theodor von Hippel’s defence of the intellectual and civic contributions of women, situating his proposals for legal and social reform in the wake of the influence of Kant’s practical philosophy. Third, it explores Amalia Holst’s attempt to reconcile the gendered duties of women with their access to higher education.