Philosophy 1301 11:30
Paper 3
In the beginning of Volume II of The Second Sex, De Beauvior states “One is born, but rather becomes a woman. “ This quote represents the logical continuation of proofs from her argument in book one that femininity does arise from differences biology, psychology or intellect. Rather femininity is a construction of civilization, a reflection not of “essential” differences in men and women, but differences in their situation. In her introduction, de Beauvoir states “It is civilization as a whole that elaborates this intermediary product between male and the eunuch that is called feminine.” (De Beauvoir, 283). With what de Beauvoir has stated justifies the point of situation determines character, …show more content…
She argues that the body is “radiation of subjectivity.” She says that the body is an instrument that boys and girls use throughout childhood view the world with the hands and eyes. She then discusses the sensations children have have when they are born. De Beauvoir tries to point out that around three to four years boy and girls behaviors are no different from one another when they are born. De Beauvoir argues the point that the adult gaze is changeable. De Beauvoir gives an example of how this contributes to those who are born by quoting “ the child pretends to be invisible. “ ( De Beauvoir, 285). She elaborates by saying parents play the game of hide and seek and begin looking for their children. When the parents have found them, the children will repeat the behavior again. De Beauvoir concedes this is one of the reasons why “children are afraid to grow up.” (De Beauvoir, …show more content…
De Beauvoir begins to oppose the theory of biological factors do not dictate the upbringing of children. In fact, she backs this claim up by stating that girls are expected to act like and think the way teachers and society as a whole want them to. She contrasts young boys by stating the obvious. Boys have it easier because they can act and think for themselves. Furthermore, De Beauvoir finalizes this point by telling her audience that the young female is treated like a doll and is expected to model the behaviors their parents want them to have. Which does not give them much