Abstract

This chapter examines Simone de Beauvoir’s impact on feminist politics and feminism more generally. De Beauvoir’s The Second Sex, remains the most cogent and thorough book of feminist theory yet written. With its exhaustive portrayal of the ways in which male domination and female subordination penetrate every aspect of everyday life and shape our cultural myths and fantasies, it offers detailed evidence for the basic claims of second wave feminism: that male supremacy is a coherent system of power relations, and that “the personal is political.” De Beauvoir’s influence pervades the early radical feminist critiques of Marxism. It was de Beauvoir who first pointed out the reductionism of Friedrich Engels’s attempt to trace women’s oppression to the formation of classes. She argues that “historical materialism takes for granted facts that call for explanation”.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.