Volume V Special Issue III August 2025

Name of Author : Dr. Pramod Kumar

Title of the paper : One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman: Relevance and Significance of Simone de Beauvoirs Statement in the Contemporary Context

Abstract: Simone de Beauvoirs assertion, One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman, from her groundbreaking work The Second Sex, challenges traditional notions of womanhood rooted in biology and presents gender as a sociocultural construct. This research paper delves into the historical, philosophical, social, cultural, and psychological dimensions of this statement, analyzing its relevance in both global and contemporary Indian contexts. By critically examining patriarchal structures, educational and cultural systems, and gender norms, this study emphasizes how femininity is shaped, reinforced, and internalized through various societal mechanisms. The paper also highlights the continued pertinence of de Beauvoirs insights in the 21st century, especially in discussions surrounding gender equality, identity, feminism, and social justice.

Keywords : Simone de Beauvoir, gender identity, social construct, patriarchy, feminism, The Second Sex, contemporary relevance, womanhood

DOI :

Page Number : 70-74