9.2 Key issues and goals of the second wave feminist movement
7 min read•august 13, 2024
The second wave feminist movement expanded beyond suffrage, tackling a wide range of social, economic, and cultural issues. It addressed , , , and media representation, aiming to dismantle patriarchal structures and empower women.
This movement employed diverse strategies, from consciousness-raising groups to protests and legal advocacy. It sought to transform society by challenging , fighting discrimination, and building solidarity among women. The second wave built on first wave victories while adopting more radical tactics and intersectional approaches.
Second Wave Feminist Issues
Broad Range of Issues Beyond Suffrage
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- The second wave feminist movement focused on a wide range of issues beyond suffrage and legal rights, which were the main focus of the first wave
- Addressed social, economic, and cultural issues affecting women's lives in a more comprehensive way than the first wave
- Examples of issues include reproductive rights, sexual liberation, workplace inequality, domestic violence, and media representation
Reproductive Rights and Bodily Autonomy
- Reproductive rights, including access to contraception and abortion, were a central concern of the second wave feminist movement
- Achieving reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy was framed as essential for women's liberation and self-determination
- Advocated for legal access to birth control and abortion, challenging restrictive laws and social stigma
- Fought for comprehensive sex education and women's right to make decisions about their own bodies and reproductive health
Sexual Liberation and Gender Roles
- Second wave feminists addressed sexual liberation, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations around sexuality
- Advocated for women's right to sexual pleasure and freedom, rejecting double standards and sexual repression
- Challenged the notion that women's sexuality should be defined by male desires and expectations
- Fought against , harassment, and of women in society and media
- Sought to redefine gender roles and expectations, advocating for women's right to pursue careers, education, and life paths beyond traditional domesticity
Workplace Inequality and Discrimination
- Workplace inequality, including pay disparities, sexual harassment, and discrimination, was a significant issue tackled by the second wave
- Fought for equal pay for equal work, challenging the gender wage gap and advocating for fair compensation
- Addressed sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, advocating for legal protections and policies to prevent and address these issues
- Challenged barriers to women's advancement in male-dominated fields and pushed for greater representation of women in leadership positions
- Examples include the fight for the and the passage of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibiting employment discrimination
Goals of Second Wave Feminism
Dismantling Patriarchal Structures and Institutions
- A primary goal of the second wave was to challenge and dismantle patriarchal structures and institutions that perpetuated gender inequality
- Sought to identify and transform the systemic and cultural factors that oppressed and marginalized women
- Challenged traditional gender roles, expectations, and power dynamics that privileged men and subordinated women
- Advocated for women's equal participation and representation in all spheres of society, including politics, education, and the workplace
Legal and Policy Changes for Women's Rights
- The second wave aimed to bring about legal and policy changes to protect women's rights and address discrimination
- Fought for legislation like , which prohibited sex discrimination in education, and the Equal Rights Amendment, which would have guaranteed legal gender equality
- Advocated for policies and programs to address issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, and reproductive health
- Challenged discriminatory laws and practices, such as restrictions on abortion, unequal pay, and hiring discrimination
- Examples of legal victories include , which legalized abortion, and the passage of the
Empowerment and Solidarity Among Women
- Raising consciousness and building solidarity among women was another key goal, achieved through consciousness-raising groups, protests, and media campaigns
- Sought to create a sense of shared identity and purpose among women, united in the struggle for liberation and equality
- Encouraged women to speak out about their experiences, break the silence around issues like sexual violence and domestic abuse
- Emphasized the power of collective action and organizing to bring about social and political change
- Examples include the formation of the and the publication of feminist literature like
Transforming Culture and Society
- The second wave had the overarching objective of empowering women as a group to challenge sexism, assert their rights, and transform society
- Sought to change cultural attitudes, stereotypes, and media representations that perpetuated gender inequality and limited women's opportunities
- Encouraged women to question and reject traditional gender roles and expectations, and to define their own identities and aspirations
- Advocated for a more egalitarian and inclusive society, with greater respect for diversity and individual rights
- Examples include protests against the Miss America pageant and the creation of women-centered cultural spaces like music festivals and art exhibits
Second Wave vs First Wave Feminism
Broader Range of Issues and Greater Diversity
- While the first wave focused primarily on legal rights like suffrage, the second wave addressed a broader range of social, economic, and cultural issues affecting women's lives
- The second wave incorporated a more intersectional analysis, recognizing the ways in which race, class, sexuality, and other factors intersected with gender oppression
- The first wave was largely led by middle and upper-class white women, while the second wave saw greater diversity and inclusivity
- Women of color and working-class women played key roles in shaping the second wave agenda and challenging the limitations of mainstream feminism
More Radical and Confrontational Tactics
- Second wave feminists employed more radical and confrontational tactics compared to the more reformist strategies of the first wave
- Engaged in direct action, civil disobedience, and guerrilla theater tactics to challenge sexist institutions and gain media attention
- Examples include the Miss America pageant protest, where feminists threw feminine products into a "freedom trash can," and the "bra-burning" protests (though no bras were actually burned)
- Embraced a more revolutionary and systemic critique of , capitalism, and other forms of oppression
Building on First Wave Victories
- The second wave built on the groundwork laid by the first wave, which had secured important legal rights like suffrage
- Continued the fight for legal and policy changes, achieving significant victories like Title IX, Roe v. Wade, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act
- Drew inspiration from the first wave's organizing strategies and rhetorical appeals, such as the use of moral suasion and the framing of women's rights as human rights
- Honored the legacy of first wave leaders while also critiquing the limitations and exclusions of earlier feminist movements
Backlash and Resistance to Change
- Both the first and second wave faced backlash and resistance from conservative elements of society threatened by challenges to traditional gender norms
- Opponents of the second wave often used similar arguments as those used against the first wave, such as the idea that feminism was a threat to the family and social order
- Some second wave goals, like the Equal Rights Amendment, were defeated due to organized opposition and shifting political tides
- The backlash to the second wave in some ways paved the way for the rise of the New Right and the anti-feminist movements of the 1980s and beyond
Strategies of Second Wave Feminism
Consciousness-Raising and Women's Spaces
- Consciousness-raising groups were a key tactic, providing spaces for women to share experiences, build solidarity, and develop a collective feminist consciousness
- Women gathered in small groups to discuss their lives, struggles, and aspirations, often realizing the ways in which their personal experiences were shaped by larger political and social forces
- Feminist publications like Ms. Magazine and spread feminist ideas and provided platforms for women's voices
- Feminists also created women-centered spaces and institutions, such as women's bookstores, health clinics, and domestic violence shelters, to provide resources and support
- These spaces fostered a sense of community and empowerment among women, and helped to build the feminist movement from the ground up
Protests and Direct Action
- Protests and demonstrations, such as the Women's Strike for Equality and the Miss America pageant protest, drew media attention and challenged sexist institutions
- The Women's Strike for Equality, held on August 26, 1970, saw thousands of women march and rally in cities across the U.S. to demand equal rights and opportunities
- The Miss America pageant protest in 1968 used guerrilla theater tactics, such as crowning a sheep as Miss America and throwing feminine products into a "freedom trash can," to critique the objectification and commodification of women's bodies
- Other protests targeted issues like workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and sexual violence, using tactics like sit-ins, marches, and civil disobedience
Legislative and Legal Advocacy
- Legislative and legal advocacy was employed to pass laws like Title IX, challenge discriminatory policies, and push for the Equal Rights Amendment
- Feminists lobbied lawmakers, testified at hearings, and filed lawsuits to challenge discriminatory laws and practices
- The Equal Rights Amendment, which would have guaranteed legal gender equality, was a major focus of second wave activism, though it ultimately failed to be ratified
- Title IX, passed in 1972, prohibited sex discrimination in education and had far-reaching impacts on women's access to athletics, scholarships, and other educational opportunities
- Feminist lawyers and legal scholars also developed new legal theories and strategies, such as the concept of sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination
Coalition-Building and Intersectionality
- Coalitions and alliances with other social movements, such as the civil rights and anti-war movements, helped build intersectional solidarity
- Feminists recognized the ways in which gender oppression intersected with other forms of oppression, such as racism, classism, and homophobia
- Women of color feminists, such as the Combahee River Collective, developed the concept of identity politics and emphasized the need for a more inclusive and intersectional feminist movement
- Feminists also built coalitions with labor unions, LGBTQ+ activists, and other progressive groups to advocate for shared goals and build a broader base of support
- Examples include the National Black Feminist Organization, founded in 1973, and the alliance between feminists and the United Farm Workers in support of the grape boycott in the late 1960s
Key Terms to Review (20)
Consciousness raising: Consciousness raising is a grassroots strategy used primarily during the second wave feminist movement that aimed to increase awareness and understanding of women's issues and experiences through shared discussions and personal storytelling. This method helped individuals recognize the systemic nature of gender inequality and connected personal experiences to broader societal structures. By facilitating open dialogue, consciousness raising groups empowered women to challenge traditional roles and advocate for their rights.
Equal Pay Act: The Equal Pay Act of 1963 is a U.S. law aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex. It requires that men and women receive equal pay for equal work in the same establishment, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the workforce and its broader implications in historical analysis, especially concerning women's rights movements and changing gender roles.
Equal Rights Amendment: The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of sex. It was introduced in 1923 and seeks to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, property, employment, and other areas of law, highlighting ongoing debates about gender equality in American society.
Gender roles: Gender roles refer to the expectations and behaviors that society considers appropriate for individuals based on their perceived gender. These roles influence personal identity, social interactions, and the distribution of power and resources, shaping experiences across various historical contexts.
Grassroots organizing: Grassroots organizing is a strategy for building community support and mobilizing individuals to advocate for social change at the local level. This approach relies on the active participation of ordinary people rather than established leaders or political figures, aiming to empower communities by addressing their specific needs and concerns. It often involves collective action, grassroots campaigns, and the use of community resources to create meaningful change.
Intersectional feminism: Intersectional feminism is an approach that recognizes how various forms of social stratification, such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability, intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the complexities of multiple identities in the struggle for gender equality and social justice.
National Organization for Women (NOW): The National Organization for Women (NOW) is a prominent American feminist organization founded in 1966, aimed at advocating for women's rights and equality across various spheres, including workplace, reproductive rights, and education. NOW emerged as a response to the lack of progress in achieving gender equality and sought to address key issues that affected women during the second wave feminist movement.
Objectification: Objectification is the act of treating a person as an object or a thing, rather than as a human being with thoughts, feelings, and agency. In the context of the second wave feminist movement, it refers to how women were often reduced to their physical appearances and sexual functions, undermining their individuality and humanity. This concept is crucial for understanding how societal norms and media representations can devalue women's contributions and rights, fueling feminist activism aimed at challenging these harmful portrayals.
Our Bodies, Ourselves: Our Bodies, Ourselves is a groundbreaking book and resource that emerged in the feminist movement, focusing on women's health, sexuality, and body awareness. It promotes the idea that women should have control and knowledge about their own bodies, challenging traditional views and empowering women to embrace their experiences. This work ties into broader feminist goals by advocating for reproductive rights and sexual autonomy, while also highlighting the importance of self-education and community support among women.
Patriarchy: Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. This system influences gender relations and shapes societal norms, often resulting in the marginalization of women and non-binary individuals throughout history.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is a federal law enacted in 1978 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions in the workplace. This act was a significant advancement for women's rights, aligning with broader feminist goals to ensure equal treatment for women in employment, particularly concerning their reproductive health and rights.
Reproductive Rights: Reproductive rights refer to the legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, encompassing issues like contraception, abortion, and access to healthcare. This concept is deeply intertwined with discussions about gender equality, personal autonomy, and social justice, influencing various movements and societal changes throughout history.
Roe v. Wade: Roe v. Wade is a landmark 1973 Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide, ruling that a woman's right to choose to have an abortion is protected by the constitutional right to privacy. This case became a pivotal moment for women's rights and reproductive freedom, influencing various movements and political discourses related to gender, family values, and morality.
Sexual liberation: Sexual liberation refers to the movement towards freedom in sexual expression and the rejection of traditional norms surrounding sexuality, including the acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and practices. This concept emerged significantly in the 20th century as part of broader social movements advocating for women's rights, personal autonomy, and sexual health.
Sexual violence: Sexual violence refers to any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion, including unwanted sexual advances, sexual harassment, and rape. This term encompasses a wide range of behaviors that violate an individual's autonomy and can occur across different social contexts, affecting people of all genders, races, and ages. It is deeply intertwined with issues of power and control, making it a critical concern in the broader struggle for equality.
The Feminine Mystique: The Feminine Mystique is a term coined by Betty Friedan in her groundbreaking 1963 book, describing the widespread dissatisfaction among women in the mid-20th century who felt trapped in a limited role as housewives and mothers. This concept highlights the societal expectations that confined women to domestic spheres, reflecting broader issues of gender roles and identity.
Title IX: Title IX is a federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. This legislation transformed the landscape of education, particularly in athletics, by promoting gender equality and ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunities to participate in sports and educational programs.
Womanism: Womanism is a social theory that emerges from the experiences and struggles of Black women, highlighting the intersection of race, gender, and class. It focuses on the unique challenges faced by women of color, advocating for a more inclusive approach to feminism that encompasses issues of race, culture, and community.
Women’s liberation movement: The women’s liberation movement was a social and political movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, aiming to achieve equal rights and opportunities for women, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for women's rights in various spheres of life. This movement sought to address issues like workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and sexual autonomy, reshaping societal expectations and pushing for legislative changes that would enhance women's freedoms.
Workplace inequality: Workplace inequality refers to the disparities in treatment, opportunities, and outcomes experienced by individuals in a work environment based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. This concept highlights the systemic barriers that hinder certain groups from achieving equal pay, career advancement, and fair working conditions. Recognizing and addressing workplace inequality is essential for fostering inclusive workplaces and promoting social justice.