Social Inequality Flashcards
Simone de Beauvoir
Gender and Social Stratification
What was so significant about Simone de Beauvoir ?
Many argue her way of thinking triggered second wave feminism + her contributions have impacted feminism greatly
Simone de Beauvoir on gender
She suggested that becoming a woman was a matter of social influence. She suggested that gender is socially constructed. She was among the first to argue that the power and social influence of men meant that women became ‘others’
Simone de Beauvoir on marriage
Conventional marriage is unhealthy for men and women because it limits their choice in
partners to each other.
Simone de Beauvoir on socialisation
As children, girls are taught to behave in a feminine way, worship a male god and to
lower their expectations.
Simone de Beauvoir on liberation
It is admirable for women to take charge of their lives and control their sexuality. She felt it was important that women challenge men.
Simone de Beauvoir Evaluation
Beauvoir was influential in discrediting biological explanations of gender inequality and distinguishing between gender and sex. Her work influenced the second wave of feminism, meaning liberal and radical feminists, amongst other strands, have been influenced by her ideas.
Margaret Benston (1972)
Marxist feminism
Social stratification
