1970s feminist movement

Definition

The 1970s feminist movement was a pivotal period in the fight for women's rights, focusing on issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and challenging societal norms. This era marked the second wave of feminism, emphasizing the intersectionality of various identities and experiences that shape women's lives, leading to a broader understanding of reproductive justice that included race, class, and sexuality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1970s feminist movement built on the gains of first-wave feminism by addressing broader social issues, particularly related to personal freedom and economic equality.
2. Key events during this decade included the establishment of organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the Women's Liberation Movement.
3. The movement was marked by significant legal battles, such as Roe v. Wade in 1973, which secured a woman's right to choose regarding abortion.
4. Activists emphasized the importance of intersectionality, recognizing that women of different races, classes, and sexual orientations experience unique challenges and discrimination.
5. Cultural shifts during the 1970s brought women's issues into public discourse through literature, media representation, and activism that highlighted systemic inequality.

Review Questions

• How did the 1970s feminist movement expand upon the goals of first-wave feminism?
  • The 1970s feminist movement expanded upon first-wave feminism by addressing a wider array of social issues beyond just suffrage. While first-wave feminism primarily focused on legal rights and voting access, the second wave tackled issues like reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual liberation. This broadening of focus allowed feminists to challenge societal norms more effectively and advocate for women's rights in various facets of life.
• In what ways did intersectionality play a crucial role in shaping the objectives of the 1970s feminist movement?
  • Intersectionality was essential in shaping the objectives of the 1970s feminist movement as it acknowledged that women experience oppression differently based on their race, class, sexuality, and other identities. Activists pushed for a more inclusive approach that addressed these differences rather than assuming a monolithic experience among all women. This focus led to a deeper understanding of reproductive justice that considered how systemic inequalities impacted access to reproductive health care.
• Evaluate the impact of landmark legal cases like Roe v. Wade on the trajectory of the 1970s feminist movement and its emphasis on reproductive justice.
  • Landmark legal cases like Roe v. Wade significantly impacted the trajectory of the 1970s feminist movement by legally affirming women's rights over their own bodies. This ruling not only galvanized activists around reproductive rights but also underscored the importance of autonomy in women's lives. The decision became a central point for discussions around reproductive justice, illustrating how legal frameworks can either empower or restrict women's choices based on their intersecting identities.

Related terms

Reproductive Rights: The legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, including access to contraception and abortion.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various social identities, such as race, gender, and class, intersect and impact individuals' experiences of oppression and privilege.

Second Wave Feminism: A period of feminist activity from the early 1960s to the late 1980s that focused on issues beyond suffrage, including sexuality, family, the workplace, reproductive rights, and legal inequalities.