Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and lasted into the 1980s, focusing on issues of gender equality, reproductive rights, and social justice. This wave sought to address a broader range of issues beyond just legal inequalities, including cultural and societal norms that perpetuated women's oppression. It was marked by activism that challenged traditional gender roles and aimed for systemic change in various areas of society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism emerged in response to the limitations of first-wave feminism, which primarily focused on women's suffrage.
2. This movement produced significant legislation like Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs receiving federal funding.
3. Key figures in second-wave feminism include Betty Friedan, whose book 'The Feminine Mystique' helped ignite the movement by addressing women's dissatisfaction with traditional roles.
4. The movement expanded the dialogue around women's rights to include issues like domestic violence, sexual harassment, and workplace inequality.
5. Second-wave feminism also intersected with civil rights movements, emphasizing solidarity among women of different races, classes, and sexual orientations.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism expand upon the goals of first-wave feminism?
  • Second-wave feminism built upon the foundations laid by first-wave feminism by addressing not only legal rights such as voting but also social and cultural issues that affected women's daily lives. While first-wave feminists focused primarily on suffrage, second-wavers broadened the agenda to include reproductive rights, workplace equality, and challenging gender norms. This wave aimed for systemic change that impacted women across various sectors of society, pushing for equality in education, employment, and personal relationships.
• What role did key texts like 'The Feminine Mystique' play in shaping second-wave feminist thought?
  • 'The Feminine Mystique' by Betty Friedan was instrumental in shaping second-wave feminist thought by articulating the dissatisfaction many women felt with traditional roles. Friedan's work highlighted the idea that women were not fulfilled merely by being homemakers and mothers, which resonated with a wide audience. This book helped spark discussions about gender identity and prompted many women to question societal expectations, ultimately leading to increased activism and the formation of feminist organizations focused on various aspects of women's rights.
• Evaluate how second-wave feminism influenced contemporary discussions about gender equality and social justice.
  • Second-wave feminism has significantly influenced contemporary discussions around gender equality and social justice by establishing a framework for understanding systemic oppression faced by women. The emphasis on reproductive rights, workplace equality, and intersectionality has shaped modern feminist movements that address a broader spectrum of issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice. By challenging traditional norms and advocating for legal reforms, second-wave feminists laid the groundwork for ongoing activism today, demonstrating how interconnected social issues require holistic solutions.

Related terms

Equal Rights Amendment: A proposed amendment to the United States Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex.

Reproductive Rights: The legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, including access to contraception and abortion.

Intersectionality: A concept developed by feminist theorist Kimberlé Crenshaw that examines how various social identities such as race, gender, sexuality, and class intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.