In The Second Sex by Simone De Beauvoir, the idea of woman’s individuality is an important aspect. On this note, Beauvoir illustrates that in the process of reproduction, men can have a separation while woman can be both herself and another. I agree with this point and think it has importance because it helps us see a striking difference between male and female (at least for humans). It is through examining these differences, that we can eventually attempt to explain why woman has become the second sex.
Beauvoir poses the idea that, “in the same quick instant, the sperm, by which the male’s life transcends into another, becomes foreign to it and is separated from its body; this the male, at the very moment it goes beyond its individuality, encloses itself once again in it” (36). This idea that man can quickly separate himself back to an individual from woman and offspring after procreation juxtaposes the idea that woman is then left with this other. Beauvoir states, “The female is both herself and other than herself during the whole gestation period” (36). Woman is the one bearing the burden of a second life and this is something that a human male will never experience. This also means that male will never experience a complete lack of individuality. Man does not have the ability to bear and nurture life. This experience of nurturing two lives at once and losing individuality is something that poses a great difference between man and woman.
Another point is that a female has no choice about losing her individuality. To have offspring and continue her line she must submit herself to this other that she nurtures: “female individuality is fought by the interest of the species; she seems possessed by outside forces; alienated” (38). Males have a certain autonomy and can choose whether or not to take an active or passive role in the lives they help create.
All in all I have looked further into this difference of female versus male individuality and I agree that woman has a difference from man in the aspect of he can be separate while she can be both herself and this other. This difference is just one of the many between male and female and can help us examen how woman has become the second sex.
I completely agree with Marlee, in the context of Simone de beauvoir's argument the Female is inseparable from an other in terms of reproduction when in comparison the greatest separation man has from his self in reproduction is the physical distance between himself and when his gametes leave his body. I do think that it is worth noting that on a purely biological level this is basically an indisputable fact as the inherent purpose is to be womb. One fact that I hope would be expanded upon is the role of the male effect on the nurturing of life after birth. This was hinted at in the end of the chapter where men were described to play a role in the protection of the child.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Marlee that there is an interesting dichotomy of individuality and connectivity through reproduction for women. She brings up an interesting point of de Beauvoir's that women, not men, are the only ones that can feel both fully individual and fully attached to another life at the same time. This juxtaposition also plays into the idea that even a woman's individuality is tied down.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMarlee's points upon the individuality are very interesting. She points out that the female is given no other choice, but give up her individuality. Simone de Beauvoir in the text notes that "the species inhabits the female and absorbs much of her individual life; the male by contrast, integrates specific living forces in his individual life" (37). De Beauvoir notices that "the woman's body is one of the essential elements of the situation she occupies in this world" (48). In other words, the life the female is caring for defines who she is as it takes away her individuality. The world acknowledges the females to be supporters and nurturers of their offspring because they carry them till the time of birth and care for them till the child can support itself. In this sense, the woman loses her individuality, as Marlee says, because she has no alternative, but to submit herself to caring for the child.
ReplyDeleteSomehow, it's a little counter-intuitive that Man is the dominant sex even though his role in reproduction is secondary. Since reproduction is, in terms of evolution, the most important activity of any species, one would expect women to be more venerated for their primary role in it. I think Marlee's right in her identification of the reason for why they are viewed the opposite: they are forced to give up part of their identity, while men can separate themselves from procreation and exist freely and independently afterwards.
ReplyDeleteWomen do get the complete freedom from reproduction and bond to the species after menopause. In this freedom, their individuality returns as she does not have to care for a child or the species. The "third sex" as she quotes is more or less equivalent to men in that time, so when both men and women end up in the same place, why are women subjugated for their brief time nurturing the child? I do agree with Emily, however, that the more honorable role is taking care of the child rather than not. Those with freedom have more power to do what they please versus being tied down. Therefore, maybe, the male-female relationship more closely reflects one of master-servant.
ReplyDeleteI agree that perhaps a mother’s duty to her child is constricting. The feeling of need to protect and nurture and even wake up when the child is crying is something unique to women. This duty is noble but it does restrict the mother from being her own individual for a considerable amount of time.
ReplyDelete