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Cover of The Second Sex

Nonfiction · 2015 · PG-13

The Second Sex

by Simone de Beauvoir

The founding text of modern feminism — a rigorous, unflinching analysis of what it means to be a woman.

Vintage Feminism: classic feminist texts in short form WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY NATALIE HAYNES When this book was first published in 1949 it was to outrage and scandal. Never before had the case for female liberty been so forcefully and successfully argued. De Beauvoir’s belief that ‘One is not born, but rather becomes, woman’ switched on light bulbs in the heads of a generation of women and began a fight for greater equality and economic independence. These pages contain the key passages of the book that changed perceptions of women forever. TRANSLATED BY CONSTANCE BORDE AND SHEILA MALOVANY-CH

For14+GenreNonfictionLength800 pagesRead time~23 hours

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What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.

Violence

None

No violence

Language

None

No profanity

Sexual Content

Some

Clinical and frank discussions of female sexuality, prostitution, and reproductive biology

Substance Use

None

No substance use

Emotional Intensity

Some

Themes of oppression, freedom, and the social construction of gender

What this book is about

De Beauvoir's 1949 landmark philosophical and feminist text examines the construction of femininity across history, biology, psychoanalysis, and society. Features frank discussions of female sexuality, prostitution, and reproductive rights. An essential intellectual work for adults.

Notes for sensitive readers

Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.

Frank discussions of female sexuality and prostitution

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