Second wave feminism

Definition

Second wave feminism refers to a period of feminist activism that emerged in the early 1960s and lasted through the 1980s, focusing on issues beyond just voting rights, such as sexuality, family, workplace rights, and reproductive rights. This movement sought to challenge systemic inequalities and cultural norms that oppressed women, leading to significant changes in social attitudes and legal frameworks regarding gender equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second wave feminism expanded the focus of feminist activism from legal issues to cultural and social inequalities, addressing topics like sexual liberation, workplace discrimination, and reproductive rights.
2. This movement gained momentum alongside other social movements in the 1960s and 1970s, such as the Civil Rights Movement, leading to a broader push for social justice.
3. Key events included the establishment of organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, which advocated for equal rights and opportunities for women.
4. Second wave feminists organized protests, consciousness-raising groups, and educational campaigns to raise awareness about women's issues and push for legislative changes.
5. The movement faced backlash in the late 1970s and 1980s from conservative groups who opposed its goals, but it also laid the groundwork for future feminist movements by highlighting ongoing gender inequality.

Review Questions

• How did second wave feminism expand the goals of earlier feminist movements?
  • Second wave feminism broadened the focus from primarily legal issues like suffrage to include a wide range of social, cultural, and economic concerns. While first wave feminism concentrated on gaining the right to vote, second wave activists highlighted issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual liberation. This shift allowed for a more comprehensive examination of women's roles in society and encouraged activism that addressed various forms of gender-based oppression.
• In what ways did second wave feminism influence film production and representation of women during its peak?
  • Second wave feminism had a profound impact on film production by challenging traditional representations of women in cinema. Feminist filmmakers began creating works that depicted complex female characters and explored themes related to women's autonomy, identity, and sexuality. This movement also advocated for greater inclusion of women behind the camera, pushing for female directors, writers, and producers to have more opportunities to tell women's stories authentically. As a result, films began to reflect more diverse perspectives on women's experiences.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of second wave feminism on contemporary discussions surrounding gender equality in media.
  • The long-term effects of second wave feminism are evident in contemporary discussions about gender equality in media, where issues such as representation, pay equity, and harassment have gained significant attention. The groundwork laid by second wave activists has led to ongoing campaigns for equal representation of women in film and television, as well as initiatives aimed at addressing systemic sexism within the industry. Today’s conversations continue to build on these foundational ideas, advocating for not just visibility but also agency for women both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Related terms

Betty Friedan: A key figure in second wave feminism, Friedan authored 'The Feminine Mystique,' which critiqued the domestic role of women and sparked widespread discussion about women's rights.

Title IX: A landmark piece of legislation passed in 1972 that prohibited gender discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities, significantly impacting women's participation in sports and academics.

Reproductive Rights: The legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, central to second wave feminism's agenda, including access to contraception and abortion.