simone de beauvoir

Question 1

human nature

Answer 1

• gender is a social construct created by men - NOT biologically determined
• “one is not born, but becomes a women”
• women are seen as the “other” because men have characterised them as different

Question 2

the state

Answer 2

• have created the culture which oppresses women but can also be part of the solution
• can help liberate women by providing state funded education, legalised abortion & widespread contraception

Question 3

society

Answer 3

• existentialism - people should be free of moral & religous constrictions placed upon them
• failing to impose your will = bad faith
• women’s freedom to choose their own path is removed almost from birth
• girls aren’t born with a nurturing instinct, they learn it through their schooling & parents

Question 4

economy

Answer 4

• men’s domination of economic life restricts life choices open 2 W
• need economic freedom to be able to escape drudegy of housework and role in marriage as a sex slave

Question 5

type of feminist

Answer 5

liberal with socialist elements