SPACES OF AUTONOMY: GENDER, CREATIVITY, AND ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE IN VIRGINIA WOOLF’S A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN

Abstract

Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own remains a foundational text in feminist literary criticism, offering a nuanced exploration of the intersections between gender, creativity, and socio-economic autonomy. This research article examines Woolf’s central argument that women require both financial independence and personal space to produce literature of substance. Drawing upon feminist theory, historical context, and literary analysis, the study highlights how Woolf critiques the patriarchal structures that have historically limited women’s access to education, professional opportunities, and artistic recognition. The research situates Woolf’s essay within the early twentieth-century socio-cultural milieu, demonstrating how her insights resonate with contemporary discussions about gender equity in creative and intellectual fields. The article also interrogates Woolf’s use of narrative techniques, including her blending of fiction and essay, as a method of both illustrating and challenging societal constraints. By analyzing key passages, the study explores how Woolf constructs a metaphorical and literal space—a “room of one’s own”—as a site of empowerment, reflection, and resistance. Additionally, the research addresses the broader implications of Woolf’s arguments for feminist pedagogy, literary production, and the ongoing struggle for women’s autonomy.

Through critical engagement with both primary and secondary sources, this study demonstrates that Woolf’s text is not only a call for material resources but also an enduring philosophical reflection on creativity, identity, and gendered social expectations. Ultimately, the research underscores the continued relevance of Woolf’s ideas, suggesting that the pursuit of intellectual freedom and economic independence remains central to feminist literary discourse and the broader quest for gender equality