Second wave feminism

Definition

Second wave feminism refers to the period of feminist activism that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a broader range of issues beyond suffrage, such as equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and societal norms. This wave built on the foundations laid by first-wave feminism and sought to challenge systemic inequalities affecting women's lives in various spheres, including politics, culture, and personal relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second wave feminism was heavily influenced by the civil rights movement and anti-war activism, encouraging women to advocate for their own rights and social justice.
2. Key publications like Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' sparked widespread discussion about women's roles in society and brought attention to the dissatisfaction many women felt with traditional domestic life.
3. This movement led to significant legal advancements, including laws that improved workplace equality, such as Title IX, which prohibited sex discrimination in federally funded education programs.
4. Protests and rallies became common tactics during this period, with events like the Women's Liberation Movement's marches highlighting women's issues and demanding change.
5. Second wave feminists also addressed issues of intersectionality, recognizing that women's experiences are shaped by race, class, sexual orientation, and other factors.

Review Questions

• How did second wave feminism expand upon the goals of first wave feminism?
  • Second wave feminism built upon the achievements of first wave feminism, which primarily focused on securing women's right to vote. While first-wave activists fought for legal equality, second-wave feminists addressed a broader range of social issues including workplace rights, reproductive rights, and the fight against gender-based violence. This shift allowed for a deeper exploration of women's roles within society and challenged cultural norms that perpetuated inequality.
• Discuss the impact of key publications on the second wave feminist movement.
  • Key publications such as Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' had a profound impact on second wave feminism by articulating the frustrations of women who felt trapped by traditional roles. These texts helped to galvanize women into action by providing a voice to their experiences and concerns. The popularity of such works raised awareness about issues like workplace discrimination and reproductive rights, contributing significantly to public discourse around gender equality.
• Evaluate how second wave feminism addressed intersectionality and its importance in shaping modern feminist movements.
  • Second wave feminism began to recognize the concept of intersectionality, acknowledging that women's experiences are influenced not just by gender but also by race, class, sexual orientation, and other social categories. This understanding was crucial in shaping modern feminist movements as it allowed for a more inclusive approach that considers diverse perspectives and challenges inequalities faced by marginalized groups. The emphasis on intersectionality has since become a foundational aspect of contemporary feminist discourse, ensuring that all women's voices are heard and represented in the fight for equality.

Related terms

Gender Equality: The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender. Second wave feminism played a crucial role in advocating for this principle across various domains.

Reproductive Rights: The legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, including access to contraception and abortion. This was a significant focus of second wave feminism.

Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. Second wave feminism sought to dismantle patriarchal structures.