Abstract

I demonstrate that the distinction between sex and gender is essential to Hegel's analysis of male and female roles in society through his recourse to the categories of nature and spirit. I then argue that the structure of self-consciousness in the Phenomenology is implicitly and necessarily male on Hegel's own terms for systematic reasons. Further, I maintain that Hegel's model of mutual recognition is patterned on fraternity, and thus excludes women from a wider political community. Finally, I contend that Hegel's problematic formulation of the sex/gender distinction can nonetheless be critically appropriated by contemporary social and political philosophy