7.1 Waves of Feminism and Their Impact on Literary Criticism

Feminism has evolved through distinct waves, each addressing unique societal issues. From suffrage and property rights to intersectionality and online activism, these movements have shaped women's experiences and perspectives over time.

Feminist waves have profoundly impacted literary criticism and studies. They've expanded the canon, introduced new analytical approaches, and fostered diverse voices in literature, challenging traditional norms and promoting inclusive narratives.

Waves of Feminism

Key characteristics of feminist waves

Top images from around the web for Key characteristics of feminist waves

• 

  Third Wave and Queer Feminist Movements – HUM210 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  First-wave feminism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Third-wave feminism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Third Wave and Queer Feminist Movements – HUM210 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  First-wave feminism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Key characteristics of feminist waves

• 

  Third Wave and Queer Feminist Movements – HUM210 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  First-wave feminism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Third-wave feminism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Third Wave and Queer Feminist Movements – HUM210 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  First-wave feminism - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• First-wave feminism (late 19th to early 20th century)
  • Concentrated on legal issues advocated for women's suffrage (right to vote)
  • Fought for equal rights allowing women to own property
  • Led by prominent figures Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Emmeline Pankhurst
• Second-wave feminism (1960s to 1980s)
  • Expanded the debate encompassing cultural and social inequalities
  • Tackled issues reproductive rights, sexuality, workplace discrimination
  • Introduced concept of patriarchy challenged traditional gender roles (housewife, breadwinner)
  • Spearheaded by influential activists Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Simone de Beauvoir
• Third-wave feminism (1990s to early 2000s)
  • Emphasized diversity intersectionality recognized experiences of women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, marginalized groups
  • Rejected notion of universal female experience embraced individual empowerment
  • Drew from postmodernism queer theory (gender as a social construct)
  • Notable figures Rebecca Walker, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Judith Butler
• Fourth-wave feminism (2010s to present)
  • Heavily influenced by technology social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram)
  • Addresses issues sexual harassment, body shaming, gender pay gap
  • Champions intersectionality inclusivity strong emphasis on online activism (#MeToo, #TimesUp)
  • Represented by activists Malala Yousafzai, Emma Watson, Tarana Burke

Influence on feminist literary criticism

• First-wave feminism
  • Set the stage for feminist literary criticism questioned male-dominated literary canon
  • Promoted rediscovery reappraisal of works by female authors (Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë)
  • Highlighted importance of women's experiences perspectives in literature
• Second-wave feminism
  • Introduced gender as a critical lens for analyzing literature
  • Scrutinized how literature perpetuated challenged patriarchal norms gender stereotypes
  • Developed concepts "male gaze", "écriture féminine" (women's writing)
  • Seminal works "The Madwoman in the Attic" by Sandra Gilbert Susan Gubar, "Sexual Politics" by Kate Millett
• Third-wave feminism
  • Broadened feminist literary criticism to include diverse perspectives experiences
  • Investigated intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality in literary analysis (Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde)
  • Challenged idea of universal female experience in literature
  • Influential works "Gender Trouble" by Judith Butler, "Black Feminist Thought" by Patricia Hill Collins
• Fourth-wave feminism
  • Employs intersectional inclusive approaches to literary criticism
  • Examines representation of marginalized identities in literature (transgender, non-binary)
  • Uses digital platforms to engage in literary discussions promote diverse voices
  • Encourages creation promotion of literature reflecting experiences of underrepresented groups

Impact on literary studies

• Expanded the literary canon
  1. Rediscovered included works by historically marginalized authors women, people of color
  2. Challenged dominance of male-authored texts promoted diversity in the canon
• Developed new critical approaches
  1. Introduced gender as a crucial lens for analyzing literature
  2. Intersectional approaches examine complex interactions between gender, race, class, identity markers
• Promoted interdisciplinary scholarship
  1. Incorporated insights from psychology, sociology, cultural studies
  2. Enriched understanding of literature its social, political, cultural contexts
• Encouraged creation of new literary forms genres
  1. Inspired experimental subversive forms écriture féminine, autobiographical writing
  2. Challenged traditional narrative structures provided new ways of expressing women's experiences
• Fostered a more inclusive diverse literary community
  1. Advocated for greater representation of marginalized voices in the literary world
  2. Increased opportunities for women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, underrepresented groups in publishing, academia, literary events