What is a woman? by Toril Me? And Other Essays” is an intellectually stimulating read. Most of the concepts related to feminist theories presented by Moi offered new ways of interpreting female identity and situation. In this answer document, I will explain how “What is a woman?” » unlocks the emancipatory potential in bringing intellectual emancipation to the female individual and why it should be considered an important work to elevate women's studies. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayTo the Woman, “What is a Woman?” » calls for his self-liberation. By the end of the 19th century, biological determinism was fashionable; Moi argued that this idea reduced women to nothing other than their anatomical characteristics and made them their “destiny” (62). The model of differentiation according to sex and gender was invented in the 1960s, but for Me, this model ignored the intimate relationship between the female body and gender (70) and failed to offer women an explanation of their subordination. Later, poststructural feminist theorists proposed that sex is as social a construct as gender (34). Since both are subject to systems of power, subversion should be practiced to undermine the systems of power from within. However, Moi insisted that women's subjectivity was misinterpreted by them. Later, poststructural feminism gained popularity, but Moi found its theories too theoretical. In her observation, reductionism, subordination, and confusion have been recurring themes throughout these three periods in the timeline of feminist theory. Instead of leaving the question of what it really means to be a woman unanswered, a more proactive, understandable, and personalized approach to female identity development is preferable. “My body is a situation, but it is a fundamental situation, insofar as it grounds my experience of myself and of the world. This is a situation that always enters into my lived experience. (63). With this in mind, Moi demonstrated the importance of considering the biological and historical characteristics that each individual possesses in a distinct way. These characteristics are elements that constitute women's subjectivity, but they are encouraged to internalize these encounters of subjectivity and actively reject them (82). What is perceived as oppression is transformed into fuel that restores a woman's individual identity. Women would take the reins to free themselves from their own oppression. On the other hand, unlike theorists of the 1960s who placed great emphasis on the sex/gender distinction, the "lived experience" narrative calls on women to proudly celebrate their historical situations of age, race, class, nationality and other political conflicts that concern them (82). Moi advocated for a personalized path allowing women to transcend themselves. Women can now embrace more engaging ways to build who they envision themselves to be. Among his academic counterparts, Moi blazed a trail for a new way of thinking. One of the most profound criticisms leveled at Moi concerns the poststructuralist feminist theories developed by Judith Butler and Donna Haraway. She insisted that these theories are too obscure and philosophical contrary to Beauvoir's assertions (58-59). Ironically, she embodied the poststructuralist spirit in challenging Butler and Haraway. Together, they presented the speech.