Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. This wave expanded the scope of feminism beyond the suffrage movement of the first wave, addressing social, cultural, and political inequalities faced by women in various aspects of life. The movement sought to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for women's rights in a broader context, emphasizing the importance of intersectionality and diversity within the feminist agenda.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism sought to address a wider range of issues beyond voting rights, including reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual liberation.
2. Prominent literature from this wave includes 'The Feminine Mystique' by Betty Friedan, which critiqued the societal expectations placed on women in the post-World War II era.
3. The movement led to significant legal changes, such as improvements in workplace protections and the legalization of abortion in many countries.
4. Second-wave feminists organized protests and campaigns, including the famous Women's Strike for Equality in 1970, which drew attention to gender discrimination in various areas of life.
5. The wave also emphasized the importance of sisterhood and solidarity among women from different backgrounds, leading to a more inclusive approach within the feminist movement.

Review Questions

• What were some key social issues that second-wave feminism focused on during its emergence in the 1960s?
  • Second-wave feminism addressed critical social issues such as reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and access to education. This movement challenged traditional gender roles and advocated for women's equality in both public and private spheres. It was a significant shift from earlier feminist efforts that primarily focused on suffrage, as second-wave feminists sought broader societal changes that would impact women's lives more comprehensively.
• Discuss how second-wave feminism differed from first-wave feminism in terms of its goals and approaches.
  • Second-wave feminism differed from first-wave feminism by expanding its focus beyond legal rights, such as voting, to encompass a wider array of social issues including reproductive rights, sexuality, and family dynamics. While first-wave feminists primarily sought legal equality through suffrage, second-wave activists aimed for cultural change and broader systemic reforms. This shift highlighted the intersectional nature of women's experiences and recognized that social equality also required addressing economic and cultural factors.
• Evaluate the impact of second-wave feminism on contemporary feminist movements and discussions surrounding gender equality.
  • Second-wave feminism laid the groundwork for contemporary feminist movements by introducing key concepts such as reproductive rights and intersectionality into discussions about gender equality. Its focus on diverse women's experiences helped broaden the feminist agenda to include issues related to race, class, and sexuality. The legacy of second-wave activism continues to influence modern feminist discourse, as activists build upon its principles to address ongoing inequalities and advocate for inclusive policies that reflect the complexities of women's lives today.

Related terms

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that aimed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex.

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

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various forms of inequality or discrimination overlap and affect individuals differently based on their race, class, gender, and other identity markers.