Final answer:
The authors aim to inspire female readers to pursue personal freedom and challenge traditional gender roles, while encouraging male readers to reflect on and support the breaking down of social constructs for a more equitable society. By doing so, they advocate for addressing systemic inequality and embracing diversity in all spheres of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aim of the author, in this case, seems to be to challenge the prevailing attitudes and stereotypes about gender roles and social expectations in society. Writers like de Beauvoir and Sontag are advocating for a rethink of the traditional narratives that have long defined the roles of men and women. Their works strive to unravel the intricate web of social, sexual, and political hierarchies that have historically placed women in subordinate positions. The intention for the female reader is to inspire a quest for personal freedom and to question the myths that have traditionally been associated with femininity, such as inherent maternal instincts and being more emotional than men. For male readers, the goal would likely be to encourage a reflection on these stereotypes and to support the breaking down of these social constructs to allow for a more equitable society.
Further, there is an encouragement within these texts for all readers to engage in more critical conversations about systemic inequality, similar to the dialogues suggested by Trumbore about the lack of Lady Composers in music, and to center minoritized voices and traditions as mentioned by Nosrat. The call to action is not only to recognize these disparities but to actively contribute to their dismantlement. Steinem's magazine also reflects these themes by highlighting the diversity of women's experiences and challenging singular standards of beauty.