Summary of The Second Sex

The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir is a pioneering work of feminist philosophy. Published in 1949, it is considered a foundational text of modern feminism. In a wide-ranging and powerful analysis of the history and meaning of womanhood, de Beauvoir argues for a fundamental transformation in the way women and their role in society are viewed. She argues that a patriarchal culture has enforced a false vision of femininity that kept women from claiming their independence and realizing their potential. De Beauvoir calls for a complete rethinking of gender roles and of the practices and assumptions that have limited women's lives. In doing so, she offers a bold and radical vision of liberation for women everywhere.