BAES European Cultures and Societies Practice Test 2026 – Complete Blocks 1-6 Preparation

Simone de Beauvoir is a prominent figure closely associated with feminist critique during the second wave of feminism, particularly through her influential work "The Second Sex," published in 1949. In this foundational text, de Beauvoir explores the construction of women's identity and the societal oppression they face, famously stating that "one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman." This assertion highlights her argument that gender is a social construct shaped by cultural and historical contexts, rather than a predetermined natural condition.

Her analysis of the ways in which women have been historically marginalized and defined in opposition to men provided a critical framework for the feminist movements that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. De Beauvoir's work encouraged women to seek liberation from socially imposed roles and to assert their own identities, making her a central figure in the development of second-wave feminist thought and critique.

In contrast, Emmeline Pankhurst is primarily associated with the suffragette movement in the early 20th century, focusing on women's right to vote rather than the broader issues addressed by second-wave feminists. Ngugi Wa Thiong'o is noted for his contributions to post-colonial literature and cultural critique, rather than specifically feminist issues. Olym