English G100: Freshman Composition
07/18/2022
The Myth of Femininity
The role of feminism in the 20th century impacted the lives of many women, opening new
opportunities for women such as: education, jobs, and confidence. However, the battle between
the two sexes remains and questions have been left unanswered. Which sex is inferior? In her
novel, The Myth of Femininity, Simone de Beauvoir explored the beginnings of inequality
between man and woman. Her writing discusses women’s role, their views of themselves being
oppressed by men that see women as “the other.” A theory of placing women at social and
intellectual subordination to men as well as women’s acceptance into these positions.
The Myth of Femininity is the false idea that women are pure, innocent creatures. De
Beauvoir argues women are seen as the inferior gender. Woman became acceptance of their
subordinate roles because of these traditional views. Beauvoir says, while it is natural for
humans to understand themselves in opposition to others, this process is flawed, man is
effectively denying her humanity. Women are reluctant to betray their partners who have
provided the lifestyle they have. She explains that because women are spread amongst men, they
become attached to them either by residence, housework, or to their economic situations. The
role of “the other” means foregoing all advantages made with the alliance with men.
De Beauvoir advocates women’s independence from men, by arguing that women are
reluctant to betray or go up against their counterparts, men, as they have provided a comfortable
lifestyle. Women are a gender, not a race, therefore they have never organized the desire for their
independence. The difference between man and woman is biological, not cultural, so there hasn’t
been an urge to unite women. De Beauvoir believes women must strip themselves from past
stereotypes and gain independence through responsible action. The idea that women are naturally
weaker minded and inferior in strength has hindered the minds of women to strive for equality.
More than 60 years later, this idea that Simone De Beauvoir argues is still inviting more
questions than it resolves. TV shows, music and social media play a large part in hindering the
equality of women.