This quote suggests that the advancement of a society can be gauged by the status and treatment of women within it. In other words, the more equal and respected women are in a society, the more progressive that society is. The term “fair sex” is an old-fashioned way of referring to women.
Marx is highlighting the idea that if women are given equal rights, opportunities, and respect, it signifies that the society is progressive and has evolved beyond traditional, patriarchal norms. It implies that a society that treats women as equals is more likely to be fair and just in other aspects as well, such as in terms of class, race, and other social divisions.
In today’s world, this idea can be applied in a variety of ways. For instance, countries with greater gender equality often rank higher in terms of overall social development, happiness, and quality of life. This can be seen in nations like Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, which consistently score high in gender equality indexes and also rank high in terms of overall social progress.
On a personal level, this idea can be applied to personal development by encouraging individuals to treat all people, regardless of gender, with equal respect and dignity. It suggests that personal growth and maturity are tied to our ability to see beyond traditional gender roles and stereotypes, and treat everyone as equals.
In essence, the quote suggests that both societal and personal progress are closely tied to how we treat women. The better we treat women, the more advanced we are as a society and as individuals.
