At the heart of The Second Sex is the idea that women have historically been treated as "the other," a concept central to existentialist philosophy. In de Beauvoir's view, men have defined themselves as the standard or norm of humanity, and women have been defined in opposition to them. While men are seen as the "Self," women are cast as the "Other," a designation that relegates them to a position of inferiority.

De Beauvoir examines this concept through various lenses:

1. Biology and Anatomy: She begins by addressing the biological differences between men and women, rejecting the idea that these differences justify inequality. She argues that biological differences, such as reproduction, do not inherently justify the unequal treatment of women in society.
    

2. Psychoanalysis: De Beauvoir critiques the popular Freudian theories of her time, which often portrayed women as inherently inferior to men. While she recognizes the influence of childhood experiences in shaping gender roles, she contends that these roles are culturally constructed and not biologically determined.
    

3. History: The book also looks at the historical treatment of women, from ancient civilizations to modern times. De Beauvoir details how throughout history, women were systematically excluded from power, education, and economic independence, relegated to domestic and reproductive roles.
    

4. Myths and Literature: De Beauvoir critically analyzes the ways in which women have been portrayed in myths, literature, and art, illustrating how these portrayals have contributed to the construction of women as passive, emotional, and subordinate beings. She examines the works of philosophers, writers, and religious texts, showing how they have shaped the cultural perceptions of women.
    

5. Marriage and Family: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the institution of marriage and the family, where de Beauvoir argues that marriage has historically functioned as a form of social control over women. She critiques the ways in which women are often reduced to their roles as wives and mothers, which limits their autonomy and personal development.
    

6. Sexuality: De Beauvoir also delves into the nature of female sexuality, exploring how women’s sexual desires have been repressed and defined by patriarchal society. She argues that sexual liberation is a key component of women’s freedom, and that society must shift its views on female sexuality in order to allow women to fully participate in society as equal individuals shutdown123