Women Against the Vote

While the anti-suffrage movement was largely fueled by men who held traditional views about women's role in society, there were also women who opposed suffrage. In fact, some of the largest voices against the vote were women. The reasons for their opposition are most closely related to social class and internalized misogyny.

For some women from privileged backgrounds, suffrage was seen as a threat to their social status and the privileges that came with it. They believed that women's involvement in politics would lead to the erosion of their social position and the loss of their privileged access to resources and opportunities.  The majority of outspoken anti-suffragettes were from conservative wealthy backgrounds. Other women who were anti-suffrage were likely to have internalized misogyny, or a deep-seated belief in the inferiority of women, which led them to view suffrage as a threat to the established order. They believed that women were naturally suited for domestic roles and incapable of participating in the political process. This view was reinforced by societal norms and values emphasizing women's subordination and limiting their access to education and opportunities.

Some women saw suffrage as a means of achieving equality with men, which they viewed as undesirable or dangerous. They feared that equality would lead to losing their femininity and undermining traditional gender roles.

The primary source pictured on this page shows a group of antisuffragist women.  These women are from a high-class background.