Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a broader range of issues beyond just suffrage. This wave aimed to address inequalities in various areas including workplace rights, reproductive rights, and social equality, challenging the traditional roles of women in society. It was characterized by a push for systemic change and a recognition of the intersectionality of gender with race, class, and sexuality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism was significantly influenced by works such as Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique,' which critiqued the limited roles available to women in society.
2. This wave brought attention to issues such as reproductive rights, including access to contraception and abortion, leading to landmark legal decisions like Roe v. Wade.
3. The movement also highlighted the importance of workplace rights, advocating for equal pay and anti-discrimination policies in employment.
4. Activism during this period included protests, consciousness-raising sessions, and the establishment of women's shelters and health clinics.
5. Second-wave feminism laid the groundwork for subsequent movements by addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for a broader understanding of women's rights.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism expand upon the goals of first-wave feminism?
  • Second-wave feminism expanded on first-wave feminism by shifting its focus from solely achieving legal rights, such as suffrage, to addressing a wider array of social and economic issues. This wave aimed to dismantle systemic inequalities related to gender in various aspects of life, including the workplace, family structures, and reproductive rights. By broadening its scope, second-wave feminism sought not only equality under the law but also equality in practice, emphasizing the need for cultural change alongside legislative reforms.
• Evaluate the impact of second-wave feminism on contemporary discussions around gender equality.
  • The impact of second-wave feminism is profound in contemporary discussions about gender equality. It established foundational concepts such as reproductive rights and workplace equality that continue to be central themes today. Moreover, the emphasis on intersectionality during this wave has led to a more nuanced understanding of how different identities affect experiences of oppression. This legacy continues to inform feminist discourse and activism, encouraging movements to address broader societal issues including race, class, and sexual orientation alongside gender.
• Synthesize how second-wave feminism influenced future feminist movements and their strategies.
  • Second-wave feminism set the stage for future feminist movements by introducing strategies focused on grassroots activism and community building. Its emphasis on personal experiences as political truths encouraged later waves to prioritize individual narratives within collective struggles. Additionally, second-wave activists advocated for legal reforms that have shaped policy discussions today. The incorporation of intersectional analysis has also allowed newer feminist movements to address complexities within gender issues that were often overlooked before, ensuring that diverse voices are heard within the larger feminist agenda.

Related terms

Women’s Liberation Movement: A social movement that sought to achieve equality for women through various forms of activism, including protests, consciousness-raising groups, and political lobbying.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various social identities (like race, gender, and class) intersect and contribute to unique experiences of oppression and privilege.

Title IX: A federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities receiving federal funding.