Second Wave Feminism

Definition

Second wave feminism refers to the period of feminist activism that began in the early 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. This movement expanded the fight for women's rights beyond the legal issues that characterized the first wave, emphasizing social, cultural, and economic inequalities. It sought to address the pervasive discrimination women faced in various aspects of life, ultimately aiming for a more profound transformation in societal attitudes and structures regarding gender roles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second wave feminism emerged in the context of the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and counterculture movements of the 1960s.
2. Key legislation such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 were significant achievements during this period.
3. Prominent figures in second wave feminism included Betty Friedan, whose book 'The Feminine Mystique' challenged traditional gender roles and ignited feminist consciousness.
4. The movement also addressed issues of sexual liberation, leading to greater discussions around women's sexual health and autonomy.
5. The legacy of second wave feminism has continued to influence modern feminist movements, with ongoing discussions about intersectionality and inclusivity within the feminist agenda.

Review Questions

• What were some key goals of second wave feminism, and how did they differ from those of the first wave?
  • Second wave feminism aimed to tackle a broader range of issues compared to the first wave, which primarily focused on legal rights such as voting. Key goals included achieving workplace equality, reproductive rights, and addressing societal norms around gender roles. This shift marked a significant expansion of the feminist agenda, pushing for not just legal equality but also social change in attitudes toward women's roles in society.
• Discuss the impact of second wave feminism on legislation regarding women's rights in the United States during its peak years.
  • Second wave feminism led to critical legislative changes that improved women's rights in various areas. Notable laws like the Equal Pay Act of 1963 aimed at abolishing wage discrimination based on sex, while Title IX opened up educational opportunities by prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. These laws reflected the movement's success in bringing women's issues into public discourse and influencing policy.
• Evaluate how second wave feminism has shaped contemporary discussions around intersectionality within feminist movements today.
  • Second wave feminism laid foundational ideas that evolved into discussions about intersectionality, recognizing that women's experiences are influenced by multiple factors such as race, class, and sexuality. While it initially focused predominantly on the experiences of white middle-class women, later critiques highlighted the need for inclusivity. This evolution has led contemporary feminist movements to prioritize a more diverse approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by women from different backgrounds, ensuring that feminism remains relevant and representative.

Related terms

Feminism: A social and political movement advocating for the rights and equality of women in all spheres of life.

Reproductive Rights: 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, aiming for equal treatment and representation of all genders.