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 including gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. This movement built upon the achievements of first-wave feminism, which primarily addressed women's suffrage, and sought to address systemic inequalities affecting women in various aspects of life, including social, cultural, and political domains.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism is often associated with key events like the publication of 'The Feminine Mystique' by Betty Friedan in 1963, which challenged traditional gender roles and highlighted women's dissatisfaction with their societal positions.
2. This wave of feminism expanded the focus beyond legal issues to include topics like sexuality, family dynamics, reproductive rights, and workplace inequality.
3. Activists fought for legislation such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title IX in 1972, which aimed to eliminate gender discrimination in education.
4. The movement was diverse and included various subgroups, addressing the needs of women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and working-class women who faced unique challenges.
5. Artistic expression during this time also played a crucial role in feminist activism, with body art being used to challenge societal norms and communicate messages about women's rights.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism expand the goals of feminist activism compared to first-wave feminism?
  • Second-wave feminism expanded feminist activism by addressing a wider range of issues beyond just women's suffrage. While first-wave feminism focused primarily on securing voting rights for women, second-wave activists tackled systemic inequalities related to gender roles, reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and sexual liberation. This shift allowed feminists to advocate for changes that impacted women's everyday lives and challenged societal norms surrounding gender.
• Discuss how intersectionality plays a significant role in understanding the complexities of second-wave feminism.
  • Intersectionality is crucial for understanding second-wave feminism because it highlights how different identities affect women's experiences with oppression. The movement recognized that not all women face discrimination in the same way; for example, women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals encountered unique challenges that were often overlooked by mainstream feminist discourse. By incorporating intersectional perspectives, second-wave feminists aimed to create a more inclusive movement that addressed the diverse realities of all women.
• Evaluate the impact of second-wave feminism on contemporary body art and performance as forms of feminist expression.
  • Second-wave feminism significantly influenced contemporary body art and performance by encouraging artists to use their bodies as sites of resistance against patriarchal norms. Artists began to explore themes related to identity, sexuality, and empowerment through their work. This approach not only challenged traditional representations of women but also fostered conversations about autonomy over one's body. By linking personal experiences with broader social issues, contemporary feminist artists continue to draw from the foundations laid by second-wave feminists in their pursuit of equality.

Related terms

intersectionality: A framework for understanding how different aspects of a person's identity (such as race, gender, and class) intersect and create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.

patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power, dominating roles in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

gender roles: Socially constructed roles and expectations that dictate how individuals should behave based on their perceived gender.