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 wider range of issues beyond suffrage, including workplace rights, reproductive rights, and social equality. This movement sought to address systemic inequalities faced by women in various aspects of life, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for women's liberation on multiple fronts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism is often associated with the publication of Betty Friedan's book 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963, which challenged the notion that women's fulfillment could only be found in domestic roles.
2. The movement saw significant activism around reproductive rights, leading to landmark decisions like Roe v. Wade in 1973, which legalized abortion in the United States.
3. Women gained increased representation in the workforce during this wave, challenging traditional notions of women's roles and leading to the push for equal pay and employment opportunities.
4. Second-wave feminism also emphasized intersectionality, recognizing that race, class, and sexuality intersect with gender issues, thus broadening the movement's scope.
5. Key organizations formed during this time included the National Organization for Women (NOW), which played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights at both local and national levels.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism expand the conversation around women's rights compared to first-wave feminism?
  • Second-wave feminism broadened the focus from just voting rights, as seen in first-wave feminism, to a variety of issues affecting women's daily lives, such as workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This wave recognized that achieving legal equality was only part of the struggle; it also aimed to dismantle social norms and cultural expectations that limited women's roles in society. By advocating for comprehensive changes in laws and social attitudes, second-wave feminism created a more inclusive dialogue around women's rights.
• Discuss the impact of second-wave feminism on legislation related to women's rights in the United States during the 1970s.
  • Second-wave feminism had a significant influence on legislation during the 1970s, resulting in crucial laws aimed at promoting gender equality. The Equal Rights Amendment was proposed to ensure equal legal rights regardless of sex, while Title IX was enacted to prohibit sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. These legislative efforts were driven by widespread activism and advocacy from feminist groups, reflecting the growing demand for societal change and legal protections for women across various sectors.
• Evaluate how second-wave feminism addressed issues of intersectionality and how this focus shaped contemporary feminist movements.
  • Second-wave feminism began to incorporate concepts of intersectionality by recognizing that women's experiences are shaped not only by gender but also by race, class, and sexuality. This acknowledgment prompted a more inclusive approach to feminist activism, allowing marginalized voices within the movement to gain prominence. The focus on intersectionality during this wave laid the groundwork for contemporary feminist movements that continue to advocate for diverse perspectives and address multiple forms of discrimination, ensuring that feminism remains relevant and representative of all women's experiences.

Related terms

Equal Rights Amendment: A proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that aimed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex, reflecting the demands of second-wave feminists for legal equality.

Consciousness Raising: A grassroots approach used by second-wave feminists to promote awareness about women's issues and empower women through group discussions, highlighting shared experiences and fostering collective activism.

Title IX: A federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal funding, significantly impacting women's access to education and sports.