Second wave feminism

Definition

Second wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and lasted through the 1980s, focusing on a broader range of issues beyond suffrage, including equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This wave aimed to challenge cultural norms and societal structures that perpetuated gender inequality and highlighted the interconnectedness of race, class, and gender within the feminist struggle.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second wave feminism expanded the focus of feminist activism to include issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual freedom, alongside the right to vote.
2. Key events of this movement included the establishment of organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966 and the Women's Strike for Equality in 1970.
3. The movement was significantly influenced by literature such as Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique,' which critiqued the traditional roles of women and called for greater opportunities outside the home.
4. Second wave feminists often confronted issues of race and class, leading to the development of intersectional feminism that addressed how different identities impacted women's experiences of oppression.
5. Art became a powerful medium for second wave feminists, with many artists using their work to comment on gender roles and advocate for women's rights.

Review Questions

• What were some key goals of second wave feminism, and how did they differ from those of first wave feminism?
  • Second wave feminism aimed to address a wider range of issues than first wave feminism, which primarily focused on women's suffrage. Key goals included advocating for workplace equality, reproductive rights, sexual freedom, and challenging societal norms regarding gender roles. While first wave feminism sought legal rights such as voting, second wave feminism emphasized social justice and equality in all areas of life, expanding the conversation around women's rights to include various forms of discrimination.
• Discuss the impact of key literature on second wave feminism and how it shaped public perception of women's issues during that time.
  • Key literature, particularly Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique,' had a profound impact on second wave feminism by exposing the discontent many women felt regarding their limited roles in society. This book challenged the notion that a woman's fulfillment could solely come from homemaking and motherhood. It encouraged women to seek education and careers, effectively reshaping public perception by highlighting women's capabilities and desires for independence. Such works spurred discussions about gender roles and mobilized women into action for broader equality.
• Evaluate how second wave feminism has influenced contemporary discussions on gender equality and identify areas where its legacy is still felt today.
  • Second wave feminism has significantly influenced contemporary discussions on gender equality by laying the groundwork for ongoing struggles related to reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual harassment. The concepts developed during this period, such as intersectionality, continue to shape feminist discourse as activists address the complexities of identity within social justice movements. Additionally, legislative achievements like Title IX reflect the movement's lasting legacy by ensuring equal opportunities for women in education. However, challenges remain, as debates around women's rights evolve with new issues such as LGBTQ+ inclusion and systemic racism still at the forefront of feminist activism.

Related terms

Women's Liberation Movement: A social and political movement that sought to achieve equal rights for women in various aspects of life, including legal rights, workplace opportunities, and personal freedoms during the second wave.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various forms of inequality and discrimination intersect and overlap, highlighting the importance of considering race, class, gender, and other identities in feminist activism.

Title IX: A federal law passed in 1972 prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities, which played a crucial role in advancing women's rights in educational settings.