Publication of The Second Sex

1949, France

Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex is one of the most important publications of the 20th century. Famously stating “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman”, Beauvoir discusses the treatment and oppression of women throughout history, arguing that while men are considered to be the subject, women have been characterised as the object or the Other in society. She suggests that in order to become the subject and achieve freedom, women should be educated and paid like men, as equals. Beauvoir’s groundbreaking book – often cited as the start of second-wave feminism – continues to influence how women understand themselves today.