The Second Sex (Le Deuxième Sexe)

The Second Sex, by Simone de Beauvoir, is a foundational feminist work that explores how women have historically been viewed as the "other" or secondary to men. De Beauvoir argues that gender roles are socially constructed rather than innate, shaping women’s experiences and limiting their opportunities. She examines cultural, historical, and philosophical factors that contribute to gender inequality, emphasizing that women’s identities are often defined in relation to men. The book encourages understanding gender as a complex interplay of biology, society, and individual choice, advocating for women’s freedom to define themselves beyond prescribed roles.