Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and continued through the 1980s, focusing on a wider range of issues beyond suffrage, such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual liberation. This wave sought to address the systemic inequalities faced by women in both public and private spheres, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for social, political, and economic changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism expanded the scope of feminist activism to include issues such as workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, reproductive rights, and equal pay.
2. Key figures of this wave included activists like Betty Friedan, whose book 'The Feminine Mystique' highlighted the dissatisfaction of many women in traditional domestic roles.
3. The movement led to significant legal changes, including the passage of laws such as Title IX in the U.S., which prohibits gender discrimination in educational programs and activities.
4. This wave also brought attention to issues related to race and class, leading to the emergence of diverse feminist perspectives that acknowledged the experiences of women from various backgrounds.
5. Second-wave feminism played a crucial role in reshaping societal views on gender roles and contributed to ongoing discussions about gender equality and women's rights globally.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism expand upon the goals and achievements of first-wave feminism?
  • Second-wave feminism built on the achievements of first-wave feminism by broadening its focus from solely securing women's suffrage to addressing a wider array of issues affecting women's lives. While first-wave feminists primarily fought for legal rights like voting, second-wave feminists sought equality in various areas such as employment, education, and reproductive rights. This expansion allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of gender inequality, highlighting the need for systemic changes beyond just legal enfranchisement.
• Analyze the impact of second-wave feminism on legislation related to women's rights in the late 20th century.
  • Second-wave feminism had a profound impact on legislation aimed at improving women's rights throughout the late 20th century. Activists successfully campaigned for laws that addressed gender discrimination in various sectors. For instance, Title IX was enacted in 1972 to prohibit sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. Additionally, movements pushed for reproductive rights legislation that increased access to contraception and abortion services. These legal advancements significantly altered societal perceptions about women's roles and capabilities.
• Evaluate how second-wave feminism has influenced contemporary discussions about gender and intersectionality in today's society.
  • Second-wave feminism laid the groundwork for contemporary discussions surrounding gender and intersectionality by emphasizing that women's experiences are not monolithic but rather shaped by various overlapping identities. Today's feminist discourse often incorporates insights from second-wave activists while recognizing how race, class, sexuality, and other factors intersect with gender. This evolution has led to a more inclusive approach within feminist movements, encouraging activism that addresses multiple dimensions of inequality and advocating for a broader spectrum of voices within the feminist narrative.

Related terms

Feminist Theory: A framework for analyzing the ways in which gender influences social structures, relationships, and cultural norms, often examining issues of power, inequality, and identity.

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

Intersectionality: A concept that explores how different social categories such as race, class, gender, and sexuality intersect to create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage.