Skip to content

the higher the development of women, the more they suffer…

“the higher the development of women, the more they suffer from the 'patriotic' mandate to bear many children to replace the nation's losses. For they know that, from the point of view of their personal development as well as that of the race, fewer but better children are to be preferred.” quote by Ellen Key
Download Open image
“the higher the development of women, the more they suffer from the 'patriotic' mandate to bear many children to replace the nation's losses. For they know that, from the point of view of their personal development as well as that of the race, fewer but better children are to be preferred.”

Ellen Key

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Women’s advancement is hindered by societal pressure to bear many children, limiting personal and societal growth.

In simple terms: Societal pressure to have many children limits women’s growth.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for quality over quantity in childbearing.

Themes

gender equality reproductive rights social expectations

Mood

frustrated determined

Type

social critique feminist

When to use this quote

  • family planning
  • career development
  • education reform
  • public policy debates

Key Concepts

patriarchal mandates population policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance demographic needs with women’s autonomy?
  • What policies support smaller, well‑raised families?
A Different Perspective

Cultural norms may resist change, making reforms difficult.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ellen Key

Explore all 100 Ellen Key quotes

More Bears quotes

Browse all 4,111 Bears quotes