Simone de Beauvoir

Thinker
A black and white headshot of a woman wearing a patterned headscarf. She looks slightly to the side with a subtle smile. She wears a light-colored, collared coat in an indoor setting with dim lighting.

The Feminist Philosopher

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

Legacy

Simone de Beauvoir was known for many pieces of writing and ideas, particularly in the realm of feminism. Perhaps her most innovative and long-lasting ideas were outlined in her publications including The Second Sex and the Manifesto of the 343.

In The Second Sex, de Beauvoir analyzed existing attitudes toward women, highlighting the issue of women’s oppression and outlining the foundation for contemporary feminism. The Second Sex is a 1000-page critique of patriarchal society and pushes back on the idea that women were considered to be lesser beings than men. De Beauvoir famously writes, “One is not born a woman, but becomes one,” suggesting that gender is a societal construct, not a biological identifier.

Throughout The Second Sex, de Beauvoir references ancient creation myths and the Bible, arguing that women are labeled as the Other, and thought to be secondary to men. In these biblical myths, women are frequently portrayed as the sinful or weak side of a being. Using evidence from the literature, de Beauvoir writes a compelling argument as to the connection between myth and history. Through this connection, she argues, men defined women as the Other, the darker, inferior side of humanity, unworthy of responsibility.

In The Second Sex, de Beauvoir also outlines women’s difficulty in liberating themselves, economically, politically, and sexually. She talks extensively about the myth of the eternal feminine, a notion that creates unrealistic standards for women and traps them in the pursuit of an unachievable image.2 She argued that this myth was a pervasive problem in society, perpetuating male dominance by defining women solely by idealistic feminine traits. As a result of these myths, women were split between pursuing their ambitions and aligning with the passive, repetitive lifestyle that reflected the traditional situation of women. The ideas and arguments de Beauvoir outlined in her writing were revolutionary then and sparked an awakening of a second wave of feminism.

However, The Second Sex was not de Beauvoir’s only contribution to feminist theory. She also wrote and signed the Manifesto of the 343, published on April 5th, 1971, in which she encouraged 342 other women who experienced issues with access to birth control or reproductive rights to sign as well. In this petition, de Beauvoir demanded access to contraception and the freedom to abortion. She writes, “I will have a child if I want one, and no moral pressure, institution or economic imperative will compel me to do so.” The Manifesto paved the way for legal and save birth control and abortions in France, improving the situation of women and marking a key turning point in the fight for women’s reproductive rights.

Existentialism and Ambiguity

While Simone de Beauvoir is perhaps best known for her contributions to the feminist movement, her work also had a lasting impact on the field of philosophy.6 Despite never considering herself a philosopher, she received rigorous philosophical training and explored various philosophical themes in her work, including issues of existential ethics, human freedom, and how we deal with the ambiguity of existence.2

Existentialism is a philosophical theory that focuses on individual free will. Simone de Beauvoir maintained the existentialist belief that we all have the absolute freedom to make our own choices but that we must accept the responsibility that comes with choosing our actions. This balance of freedom and responsibility is core to existentialist ethics. Beyond this, de Beauvoir stressed that we shouldn’t give up our freedom by letting others make decisions for us. She was very critical of systems that tried to limit personal freedom, particularly religious institutions but also secular and political ideologies that impose rigid norms. She argued that any worldview demanding people sacrifice their freedoms undermines the reality of human existence, believing that people should not give up their individual freedom for the sake of a greater cause—whether that cause be religious or scientific.

Importantly, Simone de Beauvoir did not want us to abandon goals like scientific progress or societal unity, but stressed that these efforts should respect the individuals involved.7 In other words, people should consciously choose to participate in meaningful causes instead of being forced into them by external authorities or groups. She stressed that people needed to explore their existential possibilities—rather than being assigned specific roles—to find pursuits that give meaning to the human condition.

In line with her view on personal responsibility, de Beauvoir insisted that we are responsible for maintaining two main conditions that give us our freedom: the material conditions (the essentials we need for survival) and the political conditions (those that allow for freedom of speech and association).2 She stressed that meeting these conditions is essential for giving people the freedom to make their own choices. She also said that there was a kind of evil in denying freedom, either to oneself or to others, as one of the responsibilities of freedom is to protect the freedom of others.

Ambiguity is another important philosophical topic explored by de Beauvoir.8 She believed that freedom, which is such an essential part of human existence, comes with ambiguity. This ambiguity stems from the fact that there is not one clear purpose or path in life, and confronting the unrestricted freedom to shape our own lives can be incredibly overwhelming. Often, the anxieties of freedom drive us to deny our own freedom by conforming with groups, blaming others for our choices, or aligning ourselves with institutions that impose strict rules or tell us how to behave. In her writing, de Beauvoir describes the tragedy of the human situation as the tension between our drive to be free and the limitations imposed by the outside world. According to de Beauvoir, living with this ambiguity rather than seeking solutions is crucial to living ethically and authentically.7

Historical Biography

Simone de Beauvoir was born on January 9, 1908, in Paris, France, to Georges Bertrand de Beauvoir and Françoise Beauvoir. She completed her early education at Lyceé Fenelon and in 1925, moved on to the Institut Catholique de Paris to study mathematics and the Institut Sainte-Marie for literature and languages. After completing her degree in 1928, de Beauvoir studied philosophy at the Sorbonne and wrote her MA thesis on Leibniz.

In her early career, de Beauvoir worked primarily as a writer, but also as a secondary school teacher to support herself financially. However, she was dismissed multiple times from teaching positions for teaching about feminism, or for ‘morally corrupting’ the youth. De Beauvoir published her first novel, She Came to Stay, in 1943, followed by The Blood of Others. In 1944 de Beauvoir published her first piece in the field of philosophy on existentialist ethics.

De Beauvoir is best known for her book, The Second Sex, published in 1949. The book was published in two volumes, Facts and Myths and Lived Experience, and focused on feminism and sexuality. De Beauvoir researched and wrote the book in 14 months, between 1946 and 1949. Specifically, she wrote of the inequality women faced, their lesser place in society, and their position as the ‘quintessential Other”. The Second Sex also articulated how notions of femininity were oppressive at the time, and stressed that the liberation of women would also be the liberation of men. The publication of The Second Sex is considered to be the beginning of the second wave of feminism, which advocated for sexuality, family, reproductive rights and legal inequalities.

Although it’s not noted that de Beauvoir collaborated or worked with anyone directly, she did work alongside other famous existentialists such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus and Maurice Merleau-Ponty.

Interestingly, de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex was listed on the Vatican’s Index Librorum Prohibitorum (List of Prohibited Books—now discontinued) following its translation and mass publication. She was also in a long-term open relationship with philosopher Sartre, but they never married. The pair met in 1929 when they were both studying for the agrégation in philosophy (a highly competitive teaching exam) where de Beauvoir placed second only to Sartre. She found Sartre a uniquely worthy intellectual counterpart.7

Simone de Beauvoir and Sartre were both intellectual and romantic partners, frequently influencing each other’s ideas. De Beauvoir’s personal writings suggest that she played an important role in shaping Sartre’s work, countering the widespread belief of the time that she merely adopted his philosophy.2 The two remained in an open relationship for life, which was extremely progressive at the time and, unfortunately (unfairly), hurt de Beauvoir’s reputation as a female intellectual. When Sartre died in 1980, de Beauvoir adopted her friend and long-time student Sylvie Le Bon-de Beauvoir, who would go on to oversee her literary estate and preserve de Beauvoir’s legacy.

behavior change 101

Start your behavior change journey at the right place

Relevant Quotes (The Second Sex)

“Society, being codified by man, decrees that woman is inferior; she can do away with this inferiority only by destroying the male’s superiority.”

“When women act like women, they are accused of being inferior. When women act like human beings, they are accused of behaving like men.”

“To be free is not to have the power to do anything you like; it is to be able to surpass the given toward an open future.”

Books, lectures and readings

Manifesto of the 343: This is the translated version of Simone de Beauvoir’s Manifesto. It was signed by 343 women in France, and paved the way for women’s rights to birth control, as well as abortion.

She Came to Stay (1943): De Beauvoir’s first novel, set in Paris during the Second World War. The novel follows Françoise and Pierre, who are in an open relationship. This novel is generally believed to be an extension of de Beauvoir’s own experiences, and reflective of her own views on marriage.

The Mandarins (1954): In this book, the personal lives of a close-knit group of French intellectuals are explored. The novel is set in post-World War II France, and the characters must overcome a number of challenges in order to establish themselves in post-war Europe. De Beauvoir won France’s most prestigious literary prize, the Prix Goncourt, for this novel.

The Ethics of Ambiguity (1947): This essay is a product of a lecture de Beauvoir gave in 1945, wherein she challenged the ability of Sartre’s Being and Nothingness to support an ethical system. In this essay, she outlines her stance on ethics and examines the true nature of free will in the world.

America Day by Day (1948): This is a collection of travel writings that recounts de Beauvoir’s experiences during a lecture tour of the United States in 1947.2 The book heavily critiques the U.S., depicting it as a country full of promise but plagued by problems such as materialism, gender roles, and racism. In the book, de Beauvoir discusses important issues like American race relations and class tensions, offering a snapshot into mid-20th-century America through the eyes of a European.

The Second Sex (1949): In this book, de Beauvoir examines women’s place in society as Other, and argues that as long as this continues women will continue to be repressed. Further, she outlines a distinction between sex and gender. The publication of this book is thought to have sparked the beginning of second wave feminism, and is a cornerstone of 20th century feminist philosophy.

Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter (1958):  In de Beauvoir’s autobiography, she brings her childhood and family dynamics to light. In this book, de Beauvoir’s tenacity and rebellious nature are obvious, and seem to be foretelling of the strong and forward-thinking woman she becomes.

The Prime of Life (1960): Another of de Beauvoir’s autobiographical writings, this book recounts her experience transitioning from student to adult, passing the agrégation, and solidifying her economic independence in the face of patriarchal barriers.2 The book provides a close look at the evolution of her ideas during her middle years, focusing on the carefree, untethered nature of her experiences as she explored new places, ideas, and relationships.

Adieux: A Farewell to Sartre (1981): This is a biographical work by de Beauvoir focusing on the final decade of philosopher Sartre’s life, whom she was in a relationship with. She provides a historical account of his life and insight into their conversations and varying perspectives as a couple.

References

  1. The second sex. (2020, November 2). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved April 16, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Second_Sex
  2. Simone de beauvoir (Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy). (n.d.). Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/beauvoir/
  3. Simone de Beauvoir. (2020). Biography. https://www.biography.com/scholar/simone-de-beauvoir
  4. Simone de beauvoir: Freedom for women. (2015, January 3). The Stanford Freedom Project. https://stanfordfreedomproject.com/simone-de-beauvoir-freedom-for-women/
  5. Women’s rights movement | Definition, leaders, overview, history, & facts. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/womens-movement#ref722024
  6. Mussett, S.M., & Wilkerson, W.S. (2012). Beauvoir and Western Thought from Plato to Butler. Albany: SUNY Press. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/book21284.
  7. Mussett, S. (n.d.). Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986). Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://www.iep.utm.edu/simone-de-beauvoir/
  8. Deutscher, P. (2008). The Philosophy of Simone de Beauvoir: Ambiguity, Conversion, Resistance. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

About the Authors

A man in a blue, striped shirt smiles while standing indoors, surrounded by green plants and modern office decor.

Dan Pilat

Dan is a Co-Founder and Managing Director at The Decision Lab. He is a bestselling author of Intention - a book he wrote with Wiley on the mindful application of behavioral science in organizations. Dan has a background in organizational decision making, with a BComm in Decision & Information Systems from McGill University. He has worked on enterprise-level behavioral architecture at TD Securities and BMO Capital Markets, where he advised management on the implementation of systems processing billions of dollars per week. Driven by an appetite for the latest in technology, Dan created a course on business intelligence and lectured at McGill University, and has applied behavioral science to topics such as augmented and virtual reality.

A smiling man stands in an office, wearing a dark blazer and black shirt, with plants and glass-walled rooms in the background.

Dr. Sekoul Krastev

Sekoul is a Co-Founder and Managing Director at The Decision Lab. He is a bestselling author of Intention - a book he wrote with Wiley on the mindful application of behavioral science in organizations. A decision scientist with a PhD in Decision Neuroscience from McGill University, Sekoul's work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and has been presented at conferences around the world. Sekoul previously advised management on innovation and engagement strategy at The Boston Consulting Group as well as on online media strategy at Google. He has a deep interest in the applications of behavioral science to new technology and has published on these topics in places such as the Huffington Post and Strategy & Business.

About us

We are the leading applied research & innovation consultancy

Our insights are leveraged by the most ambitious organizations

Image

I was blown away with their application and translation of behavioral science into practice. They took a very complex ecosystem and created a series of interventions using an innovative mix of the latest research and creative client co-creation. I was so impressed at the final product they created, which was hugely comprehensive despite the large scope of the client being of the world's most far-reaching and best known consumer brands. I'm excited to see what we can create together in the future.

Heather McKee

BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST

GLOBAL COFFEEHOUSE CHAIN PROJECT

OUR CLIENT SUCCESS

$0M

Annual Revenue Increase

By launching a behavioral science practice at the core of the organization, we helped one of the largest insurers in North America realize $30M increase in annual revenue.

0%

Increase in Monthly Users

By redesigning North America's first national digital platform for mental health, we achieved a 52% lift in monthly users and an 83% improvement on clinical assessment.

0%

Reduction In Design Time

By designing a new process and getting buy-in from the C-Suite team, we helped one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world reduce software design time by 75%.

0%

Reduction in Client Drop-Off

By implementing targeted nudges based on proactive interventions, we reduced drop-off rates for 450,000 clients belonging to USA's oldest debt consolidation organizations by 46%

Notes illustration

Eager to learn about how behavioral science can help your organization?