Second wave feminism

Definition

Second wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a wide range of issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. This wave sought to challenge the traditional roles of women in society and to expand their rights and opportunities, building upon the first wave that primarily addressed legal issues like suffrage. The movement also highlighted intersectionality, recognizing how race, class, and sexuality intersect with gender.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second wave feminism emerged as a response to the limitations of the first wave, which focused primarily on legal inequalities.
2. This movement emphasized issues like sexual liberation, reproductive rights, and workplace equality, which were often ignored in previous discussions of women's rights.
3. Key texts such as Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' challenged societal norms around women's roles in domestic life.
4. The movement also sparked a rise in consciousness-raising groups where women shared personal experiences related to oppression and discrimination.
5. Art and literature played a significant role in second wave feminism, as seen in works by artists who addressed themes of gender identity and social justice.

Review Questions

• How did second wave feminism expand the scope of women's rights beyond those addressed in the first wave?
  • Second wave feminism expanded the scope of women's rights by addressing issues that went beyond legal suffrage. While the first wave primarily focused on voting rights, second wave activists brought attention to topics such as reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and sexual liberation. This broader agenda recognized that legal equality was not sufficient without addressing societal norms that limited women's roles and opportunities in various aspects of life.
• Analyze how Judy Chicago's 'The Dinner Party' reflects the goals of second wave feminism.
  • 'The Dinner Party' by Judy Chicago is a powerful installation that embodies the goals of second wave feminism by celebrating women's contributions throughout history. The artwork features place settings for 39 influential women, symbolizing the recognition of female achievements that had often been overlooked. Through this piece, Chicago challenges traditional narratives in art history and emphasizes the importance of women's stories, aligning with second wave feminism's focus on reclaiming women's voices and experiences.
• Evaluate the impact of second wave feminism on contemporary discussions about identity politics and marginalized communities as seen through Diane Arbus's photography.
  • Second wave feminism significantly influenced contemporary discussions about identity politics by emphasizing intersectionality and the diverse experiences of women. Diane Arbus's photography captures marginalized communities and individuals who defy societal norms, highlighting issues related to gender identity, class, and sexuality. Her work resonates with second wave feminist principles by shedding light on those who are often invisible in mainstream narratives. By showcasing these subjects authentically, Arbus encourages a broader understanding of identity that continues to inform feminist discourse today.

Related terms

intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various forms of social stratification, such as race, gender, and class, overlap and impact individuals' experiences.

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

gender equality: The state of equal access to rights and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making.