The Second Sex Lesson Plan

De Beauvoir speaks of the double standards for women, who are criticized both for not being serious and not being pleasing enough to men. How does this compare to the lot of men?

De Beauvoir argues that for men, their masculinity is not in conflict with their gendered destiny, i.e. to have a career and be independent. As such, everything about their activities is tailored to their purpose - they dress in a way that is convenient for their activities, and are not expected to look after their own clothes. They are also not expected to look after their own houses or cook their own meals, and are free to spend the majority of their time and energy on their primary, 'male' roles....