The Second Sex and Motherhood Simone de Beauvoir’s “The Second Sex” argues that motherhood is a social institution designed to limit women’s freedom by anchoring them to domesticity, hindering their participation in public life and potentially eroding their individual identity. Despite Beauvoir’s critique, the author chose motherhood, emphasizing the importance of societal support and shared responsibility for raising children, especially in the context of declining birth rates in Colombia. The article highlights the societal and economic consequences of this demographic shift, such as school closures and a reduced workforce.

• Simone de Beauvoir viewed motherhood not as a biological destiny but as a social institution that limits women’s freedom and anchors them to the private sphere.
• The author chose motherhood independently, emphasizing the importance of economic independence and societal support for women.
• Colombia is experiencing a significant decline in birth rates, with Antioquia leading the decrease.
• The falling birth rate has led to consequences like school closures and questions about the country’s demographic and economic future.
• The author believes that equal involvement of parents and societal balance of responsibilities are crucial for empowering women in their roles as mothers. https://www.elcolombiano.com/opinion/columnistas/natalia-zuluaga-rivera-el-segundo-sexo-y-la-maternidad-GD36422136