Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the period of feminist activism that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a broader range of issues beyond suffrage, including gender equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This wave sought to address systemic inequalities and aimed to challenge traditional gender roles, advocating for women's rights as part of a larger social justice movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism is often marked by key events like the publication of Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963, which challenged the traditional roles of women in society.
2. This wave saw the establishment of various organizations, such as the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, which worked to promote equal rights for women.
3. Issues like reproductive rights gained prominence during this time, leading to significant legal cases such as Roe v. Wade in 1973, which recognized a woman's right to choose regarding abortion.
4. The movement also addressed intersectionality, recognizing that women's experiences are affected by race, class, and sexual orientation, leading to a more inclusive approach within feminist activism.
5. Second-wave feminism played a crucial role in pushing for policy changes that improved women's rights, including access to contraception, maternity leave, and anti-discrimination laws.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism expand the focus of women's rights beyond suffrage?
  • Second-wave feminism expanded the focus beyond suffrage by addressing a wider array of issues affecting women's lives, including workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and social roles. Activists sought to change not only laws but also societal perceptions about gender. This expansion was seen through key publications and legal cases that highlighted the need for systemic change in various aspects of life.
• Evaluate the impact of second-wave feminism on legislation regarding women's rights in the United States.
  • Second-wave feminism significantly impacted legislation by leading to important laws such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title IX in 1972. These laws aimed at promoting gender equality in employment and education respectively. The activism during this wave created a legal framework that addressed gender discrimination and laid the groundwork for future advances in women's rights.
• Analyze the relationship between second-wave feminism and other rights movements such as those advocating for Latino or Native American rights during the same period.
  • Second-wave feminism intersected with other rights movements by highlighting common struggles against systemic oppression. While advocating for gender equality, feminists also recognized how race and ethnicity influenced women's experiences. This led to collaborations among various groups advocating for justice, showcasing how second-wave feminism was not just about women’s issues but also about broader social justice. As feminists worked together with Latino and Native American activists, they began to understand the importance of inclusivity and intersectionality within their movements.

Related terms

Women’s Liberation Movement: A social movement that emerged alongside second-wave feminism, advocating for women's rights and challenging societal norms regarding gender roles.

Equal Pay Act: A landmark piece of legislation passed in 1963 aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex, promoting equal pay for equal work.

Title IX: A federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits gender discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.