Simone de Beauvoir’s seminal essays mark a pivotal point in feminist theory, representing the initial phase where existing male-dominated ideologies were robustly challenged. Since the mid-20th century, feminist thought has progressed through various stages, sometimes moving beyond de Beauvoir’s foundational ideas. Her work, heavily influenced by Claude Lévi-Strauss’s structuralism, now exists alongside the poststructuralist frameworks that have emerged in later years.

One significant shift has been the feminist discourse's evolving relationship with psychoanalytic theories. Initially rejecting the notions of female inferiority propagated by Freud and Adler, a new wave of feminists has embraced Jacques Lacan's ideas of psychologically inherent traits, navigating a complex landscape of gender and identity. This acceptance illustrates a broader reconciliation with previously contentious theories, reflecting an adaptive and evolving feminist ideology.

De Beauvoir's optimistic anticipation that women’s issues would resolve within a socialist framework remains unmet. In a candid interview three decades after the publication of The Second Sex, she expressed disillusionment with so-called socialist states, arguing they had failed to embody true socialist principles. This historical context underscores the persistent struggle for genuine gender equality, highlighting the gap between theoretical expectations and social realities.

Another critical aspect of de Beauvoir’s study is the exploration of women’s complicity in their oppression. Adhering to her existentialist principles, she argued that gender identity is constructed rather than innate, asserting that women, in the name of love, have sometimes accepted their own subjugation. This notion remains contentious, with many feminists disputing it, suggesting instead that women's destinies have been predominantly shaped by external forces beyond their control.

De Beauvoir’s work, with its bold assertions and controversial premises, continues to provoke debate and inspire new generations of feminists. Her contributions laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions about gender, freedom, and identity, challenging us to reconsider the forces that shape women's lives and the potential for transformative change.