Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to a period of feminist activism that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on issues beyond legal inequalities and voting rights, such as reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and social norms. This movement broadened the scope of feminism by addressing systemic inequalities in various aspects of life, including culture, sexuality, and family dynamics. It aimed to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for women’s liberation across multiple spheres.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism emphasized issues like reproductive rights, leading to landmark legal cases such as Roe v. Wade in 1973 that established a woman's legal right to abortion.
2. The movement was characterized by its use of consciousness-raising groups, where women shared personal experiences to highlight shared struggles and mobilize action.
3. Second-wave feminists critiqued societal norms related to marriage and family, arguing that traditional structures often oppressed women and limited their potential.
4. Key figures of this wave included Betty Friedan, whose book 'The Feminine Mystique' sparked widespread discussions about women's roles in society.
5. This wave also intersected with other movements, including civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights, expanding the dialogue around equality and justice.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism differ from first-wave feminism in its focus and objectives?
  • Second-wave feminism differed from first-wave feminism primarily in its broader focus on a range of social issues beyond just legal rights and suffrage. While first-wave feminism concentrated on gaining the right to vote and legal equality for women, second-wave feminism addressed workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, sexual liberation, and social norms. This wave sought to challenge the very structures that enforced traditional gender roles and aimed for a more comprehensive societal change.
• What impact did second-wave feminism have on cultural perceptions of gender roles in the 20th century?
  • Second-wave feminism significantly shifted cultural perceptions of gender roles by questioning traditional views of women's place in society. It challenged the idea that women should primarily be homemakers and caretakers, promoting the idea that women could pursue careers, education, and personal autonomy. This cultural shift was evident in media representations and public discourse during the 1960s through the 1980s, leading to a gradual change in societal expectations for both men and women.
• Evaluate how the concept of intersectionality enhances our understanding of second-wave feminism's limitations and achievements.
  • The concept of intersectionality provides a crucial lens through which to evaluate second-wave feminism's limitations and achievements by highlighting how race, class, sexuality, and other identities intersect with gender. While second-wave feminism made significant strides for many women, it often centered on the experiences of white middle-class women, thereby neglecting the voices and needs of women of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. By recognizing these intersections, we can better appreciate both the progress made during this period and the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized groups within feminist movements.

Related terms

women's liberation movement: A social movement that emerged alongside second-wave feminism, advocating for the rights and freedoms of women in various aspects of life, including reproductive rights, equal pay, and personal autonomy.

intersectionality: A concept introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw that examines how different forms of discrimination and privilege intersect, particularly in relation to race, gender, and class.

Title IX: A federal law passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or educational program receiving federal funding, significantly impacting women's access to education and sports.