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 just suffrage, including workplace rights, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This wave sought to address systemic inequalities and cultural issues that impacted women's lives, advocating for legal changes and societal shifts to promote gender equality in various aspects of life.

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 legal issues like voting rights.
2. The movement was marked by significant events like the publication of Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963, which challenged traditional gender roles.
3. Activists organized around key issues such as reproductive rights, family life, sexuality, and workplace equality, leading to important legislative changes.
4. Second-wave feminists often utilized consciousness-raising groups to discuss personal experiences of oppression and inspire collective action.
5. The movement also faced criticism for its focus on the experiences of middle-class white women, leading to the rise of intersectional feminism that considered race, class, and sexuality.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism expand the focus of feminist activism beyond the achievements of the first wave?
  • Second-wave feminism built upon the foundation laid by first-wave feminism by expanding its focus from primarily legal rights like suffrage to a wider array of social, economic, and cultural issues. Activists began advocating for workplace rights, reproductive rights, and addressing societal norms regarding sexuality and family dynamics. This shift reflected a deeper understanding of the systemic inequalities faced by women and aimed to challenge both public policies and private attitudes that perpetuated gender discrimination.
• Evaluate the impact of landmark publications like 'The Feminine Mystique' on the second-wave feminist movement.
  • 'The Feminine Mystique' by Betty Friedan had a profound impact on second-wave feminism as it articulated the frustrations of many women who felt trapped by traditional roles. The book challenged the notion that a woman's fulfillment came solely from homemaking and encouraged women to seek personal and professional fulfillment. Its success sparked national conversations about gender roles and motivated many women to join the feminist movement, ultimately contributing to significant legislative reforms around women's rights.
• Analyze how second-wave feminism has influenced contemporary discussions about gender discrimination and equality.
  • Second-wave feminism laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions about gender discrimination by highlighting systemic inequalities in various aspects of society. Its advocacy for reproductive rights has shaped contemporary debates surrounding women's health access. Additionally, the movement's emphasis on intersectionality has prompted modern feminists to consider how different identities intersect with gender issues. This influence is evident in today's movements addressing wage gaps, sexual harassment, and broader civil rights issues, indicating that second-wave feminism has had lasting impacts on societal norms and legislation.

Related terms

Equal Pay Act: A U.S. law passed in 1963 aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex, ensuring that men and women receive equal pay for equal work.

Reproductive Rights: A movement focused on protecting and expanding women's rights to make decisions about their reproductive health, including access to contraception and abortion.

Women's Liberation Movement: A social and political movement during the late 20th century that sought to achieve equality for women in various spheres of life, including employment, education, and personal relationships.