Second wave feminism

Definition

Second wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the United States during the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. This wave built upon the earlier suffrage movement and expanded the conversation around women's rights to include social, cultural, and political dimensions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second wave feminism is marked by its focus on a broader range of issues beyond just voting rights, addressing topics like reproductive rights, sexual freedom, and workplace equality.
2. Prominent texts from this era include Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique,' which critiqued traditional gender roles and inspired many women to pursue careers.
3. The movement also sought to dismantle systemic discrimination in various sectors, leading to significant legal changes such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title IX in 1972.
4. Second wave feminism helped to raise awareness about issues like domestic violence and sexual harassment, leading to greater public discourse and legal reforms.
5. The movement was not monolithic; it faced critiques for its lack of attention to race and class issues, eventually giving rise to intersectional feminism that addresses these complexities.

Review Questions

• How did second wave feminism expand the conversation about women's rights beyond what was established by the first wave?
  • Second wave feminism expanded the conversation about women's rights by addressing a broader array of issues such as reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and sexual liberation. While the first wave primarily focused on suffrage and legal equality, the second wave recognized that true equality involved tackling social norms, economic disparities, and cultural representations of women. This shift allowed for more inclusive discussions surrounding gender roles and inequalities.
• What were some key achievements of second wave feminism, and how did they impact society?
  • Key achievements of second wave feminism include landmark legislation like the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title IX in 1972, which prohibited sex-based discrimination in education programs. These legal advancements not only provided women with greater protections but also paved the way for increased participation in higher education and the workforce. Additionally, the movement raised awareness about issues such as domestic violence and sexual harassment, changing societal perceptions and leading to further advocacy for women's rights.
• Evaluate the criticisms faced by second wave feminism regarding its inclusivity and representation of diverse women's experiences.
  • Second wave feminism faced significant criticisms for its lack of inclusivity, particularly concerning race and class. Many argued that the movement primarily represented the interests of middle-class white women while neglecting the unique challenges faced by women of color and working-class women. This oversight led to calls for intersectionality within feminist discourse, highlighting the need to consider how various identities intersect and affect individual experiences with oppression. The critiques helped to shape later feminist movements that aimed for a more inclusive approach to women's rights.

Related terms

Women’s Liberation Movement: A social movement that sought to achieve equality for women in various aspects of life, including legal rights, education, and personal autonomy during the second wave.

Gender Equality: The state of equal access to rights and opportunities regardless of gender, a central aim of second wave feminism.

Intersectionality: A concept that examines how different social categories, such as race, class, and gender, intersect to create unique experiences of oppression or privilege.