Chapter Three

Abstract This chapter explores Simone de Beauvoir’s position as a privileged intellectual and writer engaged in feminist thought, who situated herself “on the margins” rather than being trapped in contradiction. Drawing on Sartre’s theory of the intellectual, it examines how Beauvoir navigated contradictions between personal privilege and political commitment—particularly in The Second Sex —and explores her analysis of three key examples of privilege. The chapter also contrasts her with Simone Weil, highlighting their differing approaches to responsibility and engagement. Ultimately, it argues that Beauvoir’s privilege constitutes a political weakness, and that true “commitment” can only be given when contradiction is resolved.