The Second Sex in Today's Times: Simone de Beauvoir's Ideas and the Modern Woman

What does it mean to be a woman in a world that seeks to define what a woman should be? Modern women struggle with expectations about their appearance, relationships, work, home, and their independence. Society may change, but even in the twenty-first century, many of these rules remain the same.

Published in 1949, Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex seeks to discuss the very nature of what is considered a female. Ms. Beauvoir argues that the female sex is defined by an ongoing social process.

“One Is Not Born, but Rather Becomes, a Woman”

Perhaps the most notable contribution made by the text regards the view on gender roles.

Ms. Beauvoir argues that, from a young age, girls are being socialized into accepting their position in society. From an early age, they are being told and shown what women are supposed to act like. Many young girls are being taught to be supportive, loving, and nurturing in their relationships with others, as well as patient, responsible, and kind towards their families. At the same time, boys are taught to be the providers, giving them the need to be stronger and more independent.

Even today, similar social norms can be seen all around us. In a culture that promotes female empowerment, women are being urged to ‘have it all,’ including a family and a rewarding career. They are made to feel as if they have failed if they do not accomplish everything they desire in life, despite their ambitions and dreams.

The Modern Woman and the Pressure to Be Everything

Society celebrates the modern woman who is capable of providing for herself and leading a truly independent lifestyle. However, such an image creates unrealistic expectations from women, as well as internal pressure to be able to achieve everything like everyone else.

Modern women are supposed to be successful at work, be a dedicated girlfriend or wife, as well as a caring and supportive mother, all whilst having the perfect figure. Ms. Beauvoir’s view on the gender role is notable in that it allows one to take a step back and critically analyze the situation. Does individual freedom not cease to exist when one is forced to fit into a specific social mold? Ms Beauvoir’s text prompts a rethinking of some basic ideas about femininity and masculinity. It also considers the impact of financial and social status, as well as education, on the opportunity to choose one’s path in life.

Beyond the Experiences of One Kind of Woman

A notable contribution made by The Second Sex today is the recognition of the privilege in Beauvoir’s original philosophies.

Ms. Beauvoir wrote her text in 1949, which means that many of the social norms and traditions she referred to are by now a thing of the past. Furthermore, many of the struggles experienced by women of colour, LGBTQ+ people, and those with disabilities are recognized by contemporary activists and scholars. Ms. Beauvoir’s work had been criticized throughout the years for being based on the privilege of the upper class and ignoring the realities of many women. A modern student of gender studies has the ability to re-contextualize The Second Sex within a new framework, which considers the intersectionality of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and other social factors.

Is The Second Sex Still Relevant?

More than half a century after its original publication date, The Second Sex continues to fuel the debates on gender studies. Ms. Beauvoir’s work tackles the issue of what is considered ‘natural’ for women. Its value lies in that it allows us to critically evaluate the expectations that are commonly placed on women.

The relevance of the book today is that it asks us to consider why certain aspects of life are considered more important for women than others. Why is it that feminine individuals are supposed to dedicate themselves to serving others? Why are they not allowed to be egocentric and follow their own desires? Ms. Beauvoir’s text serves as a reminder to modern women that they should not seek to fulfill the roles defined by others if they do not want to live a life of self-betrayal.

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/beauvoir/

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/10379/the-second-sex-by-simone-de-beauvoir-newly-translated-by-constance-borde-and-sheila-malovany/9780307814531/