The Second Sex (de Beauvoir)

"The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir is a foundational feminist work that examines how women have historically been regarded as the “Other,” defined in relation to men. She argues that gender is both a social and cultural construct, not solely determined by biology. De Beauvoir explores how societal expectations, traditions, and institutions have shaped women’s roles and limited their freedom, leading to inequality. Her analysis encourages individuals to challenge these norms, advocating for women’s autonomy and the recognition of gender as a fluid, human experience rather than a fixed identity.