inequality; therefore, we cannot use this piece of writing to apply it to women. An individual who identifies as a woman is not necessarily weaker than someone who identifies as a man. Social theorist Simone de Beauvoir believes that humans are socialized and conditioned into taking on the role of a woman. She explains that a female’s biological differences do not make her a woman. Women become women through the meanings that a patriarchal society delegates towards her. Yet, if Rousseau takes women into account, then his explanation of natural inequality falls apart because gender is not a natural difference, and there are far more factors to consider. Gender relations are critical in considering the idea of inequality, and Rousseau fully disregards this aspect. The only time the role of women is referenced is in regards to their roles within the family, but there is no real thoughtful analysis on why that is her role. Even if Rousseau did believe that women are naturally inferior to men, there is no explanation or direct indication to the reader of this. Therefore, this section of Discourses on Inequality lacks because it does not account for different genders.
inequality; therefore, we cannot use this piece of writing to apply it to women. An individual who identifies as a woman is not necessarily weaker than someone who identifies as a man. Social theorist Simone de Beauvoir believes that humans are socialized and conditioned into taking on the role of a woman. She explains that a female’s biological differences do not make her a woman. Women become women through the meanings that a patriarchal society delegates towards her. Yet, if Rousseau takes women into account, then his explanation of natural inequality falls apart because gender is not a natural difference, and there are far more factors to consider. Gender relations are critical in considering the idea of inequality, and Rousseau fully disregards this aspect. The only time the role of women is referenced is in regards to their roles within the family, but there is no real thoughtful analysis on why that is her role. Even if Rousseau did believe that women are naturally inferior to men, there is no explanation or direct indication to the reader of this. Therefore, this section of Discourses on Inequality lacks because it does not account for different genders.