Second wave feminism

Definition

Second wave feminism refers to a period of feminist activism that began in the early 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a wide range of issues including equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and social equality. This wave built upon the foundations laid by first wave feminism, which primarily addressed legal inequalities, by exploring cultural and systemic barriers that affect women's lives. It emphasized intersectionality, recognizing how various forms of oppression intersect and impact women differently based on race, class, and sexuality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second wave feminism is often marked by significant events such as the publication of Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963, which critiqued the traditional roles assigned to women.
2. This movement led to major legal changes, including the passage of Title IX in 1972, which prohibited gender discrimination in education.
3. Activism during this time also emphasized reproductive rights, leading to landmark decisions like Roe v. Wade in 1973, which legalized abortion in the United States.
4. Second wave feminists utilized art and literature as forms of expression and critique, influencing contemporary feminist art practices that explore identity and power dynamics.
5. The movement's focus on intersectionality has paved the way for ongoing discussions about how different identities affect experiences of oppression and privilege.

Review Questions

• How did second wave feminism expand upon the goals of first wave feminism?
  • Second wave feminism expanded upon first wave feminism by addressing a broader range of issues beyond legal rights. While first wave feminists focused primarily on suffrage and legal equality, second wave feminists tackled social inequalities related to family roles, sexuality, workplace discrimination, and reproductive rights. This shift recognized that legal rights alone were insufficient to achieve true equality for women.
• In what ways did the concept of intersectionality influence the second wave feminist movement?
  • Intersectionality influenced second wave feminism by highlighting how different forms of identity—such as race, class, and sexual orientation—intersect to create unique experiences of oppression for women. This perspective encouraged activists to consider diverse voices within the feminist movement and address issues faced by women of color, working-class women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. As a result, second wave feminists sought to create a more inclusive agenda that recognized the complexities of women's experiences.
• Evaluate the impact of second wave feminism on contemporary feminist art practices.
  • Second wave feminism significantly shaped contemporary feminist art practices by challenging traditional notions of gender roles and representation. Artists began to explore themes of identity, power dynamics, and the female experience through various mediums. The emphasis on personal narrative and social critique in art became a vital aspect of feminist expression. This legacy continues today as contemporary artists draw upon intersectional approaches to address ongoing issues of gender inequality and social justice within their work.

Related terms

intersectionality: A concept developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw that examines how various social identities such as race, gender, and class intersect and create unique experiences of oppression.

women's liberation movement: A social movement that emerged during the second wave of feminism, advocating for women's rights across various aspects of society, including reproductive rights, workplace equality, and personal autonomy.

gender roles: Socially constructed roles and behaviors that society considers appropriate for men and women, which second wave feminism challenged to promote equality.