The Second Sex

Chapter Overview

• Chapter 1: AudiobookHub Recommendation

• Chapter 2: Across species, females differ from males, but this doesn’t have to mean a difference in status.

• Chapter 3: Humanity moved from matriarchal to patriarchal society that centers woman’s role as the Other.

• Chapter 4: Over time, patriarchy was reinforced by systems such as inheritance and marriage.

• Chapter 5: In recent history women’s status has improved, yet woman remains subordinated to man.

• Chapter 6: Religion is central in constructing women as the Other.

• Chapter 7: Myths about women have reinforced their position as the Other.

• Chapter 8: The journey of becoming “woman” begins in early childhood.

• Chapter 9: As girls reach adolescence, they become more “woman,” sinking deeper into Otherness.

• Chapter 10: Sexuality and sexual initiation complete the passage into the role of woman.

• Chapter 11: Motherhood completes the girl’s transition to “woman,” yet can also be freeing.

• Chapter 12: The institution of marriage persists, giving women security while keeping them confined.

• Chapter 13: Women’s clothing serves as subjugation until old age finally brings release.

• Chapter 14: Prostitution props up marriage yet is simply another kind of female bondage.

• Chapter 15: Women’s circumstances make it especially difficult for them to rebel.

• Chapter 16: Narcissism and love help women rationalize their submission to men.

• Chapter 17: Men and women will remain unequal until each sex regards the other as an equal.