“What is a Woman? And Other Essays” is an intellectually stimulating read. Most of the concepts in relation to feminist theories presented by Moi offered new ways of interpreting female identity and situation. In this answer paper, I will explain how “What is a woman?” unlocks the emancipatory potential and brings intellectual empowerment to the individual woman and why it should be considered an important work to elevate feminist studies. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay For the Single Woman, “What is a Woman?” asks for his self-liberation. At the end of the 19th century, biological determinism was in fashion; Moi argued that this idea reduced females to nothing more than their anatomical characteristics and made them their “destiny” (62). The model of sex and gender differentiation was invented in the 1960s, but according to Moi the model ignored the intertwined relationship between the female body and gender (70) and failed to offer women an explanation for their subordination. Subsequently, poststructural feminist theorists proposed that sex is as socially constructed as gender (34). Since both are placed under 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. Subsequently, poststructural feminism gained popularity, however, Moi found its theories overly theoretical. From her observation, reductionism, subordination, and confusion have been recurring themes running through these three periods along the timeline of feminist theory. Instead of leaving the question of what it truly means to be a woman unanswered, a more proactive, understandable and personalized approach to female identity development is needed. “My body is a situation, but it is a fundamental situation, as it grounds my experience of myself and the world. This is a situation that always enters my experience." (63). In this line Moi demonstrated the importance of considering the biological and historical characteristics that each individual possesses in a distinctive 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 turns out to be oppression is transformed into fuel that restores individual female identity. Women would take the power to free themselves from their oppression. On another note, unlike the theorists of the 1960s who placed great emphasis on the sex/gender distinction, the “lived experience” narrative invites women to proudly celebrate their historical situations of age, race, class, nationality and other political conflicts affecting them ( 82). Moi advocated a personalized path for women to transcend themselves. Women can now adopt more engaging means to construct who they imagine themselves to be. Among his academic counterparts, Moi pioneered a new way of thinking. One of the most profound criticisms leveled against Moi concerns the poststructuralist feminist theories developed by Judith Butler and Donna Haraway. He insisted that these theories are overly dark and philosophical in contrast to Beauvoir's claims (58-59). Ironically, he embodied the poststructuralist spirit by challenging Butler and Haraway. Together, they advanced the most important feminist discourse in the 1990s, but Moi fearlessly presented his critique of them (based on Beauvoir's thesis). This shows feminist scholars the flaws of.