The Second Sex

"The Second Sex" (French: Le Deuxième Sexe) is a seminal 1949 book by the French existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. In this work, de Beauvoir meticulously examines the treatment of women in contemporary society and throughout history. Written over a period of approximately 14 months from 1946 to 1949, the book was published in two volumes: "Facts and Myths" and "Lived Experience."
Considered one of de Beauvoir's most influential and controversial works, "The Second Sex" was notably banned by the Vatican. It is celebrated as a pioneering text in feminist philosophy and is often cited as a foundational influence on second-wave feminism.

1 The Summary

"The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir is a groundbreaking feminist work that critiques the historical and societal oppression of women. De Beauvoir argues that men define women as the Other, fundamentally inferior and defined in opposition to men. She traces the origins of this oppression through biology, psychoanalysis, and history, challenging myths and stereotypes that perpetuate female subordination. De Beauvoir examines how societal forces shape women from childhood through adulthood, limiting their autonomy and subjectivity. She explores the roles women are assigned—such as wife, mother, or entertainer—and critiques the economic and psychological mechanisms that sustain female dependency. Ultimately, de Beauvoir advocates for women's liberation through economic independence and challenges women to reject societal norms that confine them to passive roles.

2 Influence

The attack on psychoanalysis in Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex" profoundly influenced subsequent feminist critiques of psychoanalysis, notably in works such as Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" (1963), Kate Millett's "Sexual Politics" (1970), and Germaine Greer's "The Female Eunuch" (1970). Millett acknowledged Beauvoir's significant impact on her own writings, reflecting on how Beauvoir's ideas shaped feminist discourse.
In the United States, the second wave of feminism ignited by Friedan's book took time to resonate in Europe, where concerns about family morals and traditional gender roles persisted. By the 1960s, issues like abortion and contraception were highly contentious and heavily regulated across Europe. The French Parliament's cautious legalization of contraception in 1967 highlighted societal anxieties about gender roles and sexuality, reflecting broader debates about women's rights and autonomy.

3 Comments

Critics have offered varied assessments of Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex." Biographer Deirdre Bair notes that one of the persistent criticisms is accusations of unconscious misogyny, suggesting Beauvoir distanced herself from the women she wrote about. French writer Francis Jeanson and British poet Stevie Smith echoed this sentiment, with Smith asserting that Beauvoir's portrayal of women in the book reveals a dislike for them and for being a woman herself.
In contrast, critic Camille Paglia lauds "The Second Sex" as a brilliant and supreme work of modern feminism, asserting its profound influence on subsequent feminist discourse. Paglia argues that many modern feminists draw heavily from Beauvoir's ideas without fully acknowledging their debt to her. She recalls being inspired by Beauvoir's authoritative tone and comprehensive scope in her own work, including "Sexual Personae."
The book faced significant backlash upon its release, with detractors like Alfred Kinsey dismissing it as valuable only as literature rather than science. Beauvoir recounted encountering hostility from prominent figures like Albert Camus, who criticized her portrayal of French males, reflecting societal resistance to the book's provocative stance on gender equality and female sexuality.
Overall, "The Second Sex" remains a pivotal work in feminist philosophy, sparking ongoing debates about its treatment of women, its cultural impact, and its lasting influence on feminist theory and activism.

4 Translations

Critics widely criticize the 1953 English translation of Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex," completed by H. M. Parshley, for its poor quality and numerous flaws. Reviewers, including those from The New York Times, have pointed out Parshley's inadequate grasp of French, resulting in mistranslations of key philosophical concepts and significant omissions from the original text.
Despite longstanding awareness of these issues, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., the publishers, initially resisted calls for a new translation. However, prompted by Beauvoir's explicit request in a 1985 interview for a more faithful and complete rendition, publishers eventually commissioned Constance Borde and Sheila Malovany-Chevallier to produce a new translation.
Published in November 2009, the Borde and Malovany-Chevallier translation received generally positive reviews from literary critics. They were commended for meticulously restoring missing sections and rectifying errors present in the Parshley edition. Nevertheless, critics such as Toril Moi have raised concerns about the new translation's style, syntax, and philosophical accuracy.
A reviewer from The New York Times noted instances of awkward English in the Borde and Malovany-Chevallier translation, contrasting it unfavorably with the smoother prose of Parshley's version. The reception of the new translation remains a subject of debate, with ongoing discussions about its fidelity to Beauvoir's original intentions and the overall quality of the translation.

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References

  • de Beauvoir, S. (1949). Le Deuxième Sexe. Gallimard.

Last updated: 2026-10-20

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