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 such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. This wave built upon the foundation of first-wave feminism by addressing a broader range of social, cultural, and political inequalities that women faced in society. It highlighted the importance of intersectionality, recognizing that women's experiences are shaped by race, class, and sexual orientation, ultimately paving the way for future feminist movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism emerged during a time of social upheaval in the 1960s, coinciding with the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and other social justice movements.
2. The movement advocated for issues like equal pay for equal work, maternity leave, and an end to sexual harassment in the workplace.
3. Prominent figures such as Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem played key roles in shaping the goals and visibility of second-wave feminism through their writings and activism.
4. This wave also pushed for legislative changes, leading to significant milestones like the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title IX in 1972, which prohibited sex-based discrimination in education.
5. Second-wave feminism laid the groundwork for later feminist movements by emphasizing the need for inclusive activism that considers diverse experiences and identities.

Review Questions

• What were some of the main goals of second-wave feminism during its emergence in the 1960s?
  • The main goals of second-wave feminism included advocating for gender equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and an end to sexual discrimination. Activists sought to raise awareness about issues like unequal pay, workplace harassment, and access to contraception. The movement aimed to empower women by addressing systemic barriers that limited their rights and opportunities in society.
• Analyze how second-wave feminism differed from first-wave feminism in terms of focus and objectives.
  • Second-wave feminism differed from first-wave feminism primarily in its broader focus on social, cultural, and political inequalities beyond just suffrage. While first-wave feminists concentrated on legal rights, particularly voting rights for women, second-wave feminists tackled issues like reproductive health, workplace discrimination, and sexual liberation. This shift highlighted the intersectionality of women's experiences and recognized that achieving equality required addressing a wider array of societal challenges.
• Evaluate the impact of second-wave feminism on modern feminist movements and society as a whole.
  • Second-wave feminism significantly shaped modern feminist movements by introducing key concepts such as intersectionality and reproductive rights into mainstream discourse. Its emphasis on diverse women's experiences helped create a more inclusive approach within feminism today. Additionally, many legislative changes resulting from this wave have had lasting effects on women's rights in society, influencing ongoing debates around gender equality and shaping policies that continue to resonate with current social justice movements.

Related terms

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

gender equality: The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender, promoting equal treatment and opportunities for all genders.

intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various forms of social stratification, such as race, class, and gender, overlap and contribute to unique experiences of oppression.