Second wave feminism

Definition

Second wave feminism refers to the social and political movement that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on issues of equality and discrimination, particularly in the workplace, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This wave of feminism built upon the foundations laid by first wave feminism, which primarily addressed suffrage, and sought to challenge the traditional gender roles that became prominent after World War II, especially during the rise of suburbia. It aimed to expand women's rights beyond just voting, advocating for equal opportunities in education and employment, as well as addressing societal expectations of women as homemakers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second wave feminism was significantly influenced by civil rights movements, which inspired women to fight for their own rights.
2. This movement led to landmark legislation, including Title IX in 1972, which prohibited gender discrimination in federally funded education programs.
3. Protests and activism during this period included events like the Women's Strike for Equality in 1970, which showcased demands for equal pay and job opportunities.
4. The movement highlighted issues like domestic violence and sexual harassment, bringing them into public discourse and leading to legal reforms.
5. Prominent organizations such as the National Organization for Women (NOW), founded in 1966, were established to advocate for women's rights on a national level.

Review Questions

• How did second wave feminism challenge the post-war gender expectations prevalent in American society?
  • Second wave feminism challenged post-war gender expectations by directly confronting the notion that women should be content as homemakers and caretakers. This movement argued for women’s right to pursue careers and education, asserting that their identity should not be limited to domestic roles. Activists highlighted how societal norms restricted women’s opportunities and pushed for legislative changes that would create a more equitable environment in workplaces and educational institutions.
• Evaluate the impact of second wave feminism on legal reforms related to women's rights during the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Second wave feminism had a profound impact on legal reforms concerning women's rights, leading to significant changes such as the establishment of Title IX, which prohibited gender discrimination in education. The movement also played a key role in advocating for reproductive rights, culminating in landmark Supreme Court decisions like Roe v. Wade. These legal advancements provided women greater autonomy over their lives and choices, reshaping societal expectations about gender roles and equality.
• Assess how second wave feminism's focus on various issues transformed societal perceptions of women’s roles from the post-war era into modern society.
  • Second wave feminism transformed societal perceptions of women's roles by broadening the understanding of gender equality beyond mere voting rights. By addressing diverse issues such as reproductive health, workplace discrimination, and domestic violence, this movement prompted society to reconsider what it meant to be a woman. As a result, traditional notions of femininity were challenged, leading to increased visibility of women in various professional fields and ultimately paving the way for ongoing discussions about gender equality that persist in modern society.

Related terms

The Feminine Mystique: A groundbreaking book by Betty Friedan published in 1963 that critiqued the idealization of women's roles as homemakers and sparked widespread discussion about women's rights.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex, introduced during the second wave feminism period.

Reproductive Rights: The legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, including access to contraception and abortion, which became central issues during second wave feminism.