De Beauvoir (1949), The Second Sex

1. People think of women, Jews, and Black people on the same level of importance.

Women make up half of the world, but men see women as less important. De Beauvoir (1949) argues that women learn to stay quiet and not dispute men's opinion on this. She also believes that women are slaves to men. She has not been allowed to think freely, which holds her back. She also notes that the dominant group will enjoy more opportunities, better work, and higher wages.

2. Women are the Other.

Women are the Other to men's Absolute. De Beauvoir (1949) explains this using religious teachings about Adam and Eve. In the 18th century and after, men began to use philosophy and science to objectively prove that women are inferior.

3. "To be" is a process. Women are not born inferior. We are made to hold inferior positions.

De Beavoir (1949) believes that women learn to act as the Other. We internalize the idea that we are deviant, and work to try to become normal. She argues that we must put aside this idea to move forward with feminist goals.