Intro
Simone de Beauvoir was a French writer, feminist, social theorist, and existential philosopher. She is best known for her groundbreaking ideas surrounding feminism; her book, The Second Sex, is said to mark the beginning of second wave feminism across the globe. In her book, Beauvoir argues that throughout history, women have become classified as the Other, which has allowed women to remain oppressed. She advocates for their liberation.
De Beauvoir’s ideas fiercely challenged the societal norms and expectations of her time. Her second contribution to the feminist movement was a petition, entitled Manifesto of the 343, which she authored and signed in 1971; this act of gathering 343 women to come forward with their experiences paved the way for the legalization of birth conrtol and abortion in France. Together, de Beauvoir’s book, petition, and will to fight for gender equality changed the face of feminism, and society, at the time. She is now recognized as one of the great feminist icons of the 20th century, whose legacy continues to shape discussions on individual freedom and inspire political activism.
The point is not for women simply to take power out of men’s hands, since that wouldn’t change anything about the world. It’s a question precisely of destroying that notion of power.
- Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex
