The Second Sex
Definition
"The Second Sex" is a 1949 book by French existentialist Simone de Beauvoir, which is often regarded as a foundational text of contemporary feminism. It discusses the treatment of women throughout history and is known for its profound assertion that 'one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.'
Analogy
Think of "The Second Sex" like an instruction manual for understanding the construction of gender roles. Just like how you'd use a recipe book to understand how to bake a cake from scratch, this book breaks down the complex ingredients and steps involved in society's creation of 'womanhood'.
Related terms
Existentialism: A philosophical theory that emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice.
Feminism: The belief in social, economic, and political equality of the sexes.
Gender Roles: These are societal norms dictating what types of behaviors are generally considered acceptable, appropriate or desirable for a person based on their actual or perceived sex.
"The Second Sex" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (15)
Who is the author behind "The Second Sex," that discusses women's oppression and is considered foundational to feminism?
Who is the author of "The Second Sex", a groundbreaking feminist work published in Europe during the post-WWII era?
Who is credited with writing 'The Second Sex', a foundational text for contemporary feminism, during this period?
Whose work, “The Second Sex,” provides an analysis of women's oppression that influenced feminist theory after WWII?
Who wrote "The Second Sex," a key feminist text of the 20th century?
Who authored "The Second Sex," a pivotal work in 20th-century feminist thought?
Who wrote "The Second Sex", a foundational text of contemporary feminist thought?
Who is the author of "The Second Sex," a groundbreaking work in 20th-century feminist theory?
How did Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex" impact the feminist movement in Europe during the 20th century?
What did Simone de Beauvoir's monumental work "The Second Sex" highlight as a major obstacle for women’s self-identity and independence?
How does Simone de Beauvoir’s "The Second Sex" mirror themes seen in Mary Wollstonecraft's "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" published nearly two centuries earlier?
Who is the author of "The Second Sex", one of the seminal texts in feminist philosophy?
Who is the author of "The Second Sex," a key feminist text in the 20th century?
How did Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex" influence feminist movements?
How did Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex" influence the feminist movement of the 20th century?
Resources
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