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 broader range of issues beyond suffrage, including gender equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This movement sought to challenge the traditional roles of women in society and often intersected with other social movements, making significant strides in altering societal perceptions of women's rights and roles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second wave feminism expanded the focus from legal inequalities to social, cultural, and personal issues, leading to debates around sexuality, family, and workplace rights.
2. Key texts like 'The Feminine Mystique' by Betty Friedan helped articulate the frustrations of many women in the post-World War II era, sparking widespread activism.
3. The movement also pushed for reproductive rights, culminating in landmark decisions such as Roe v. Wade in 1973, which legalized abortion in the United States.
4. Second wave feminists often critiqued established religions for their patriarchal structures and sought alternative spiritual paths, including Goddess spirituality and Wicca.
5. The intersection of second wave feminism with civil rights and LGBTQ+ movements broadened its goals and inclusivity, highlighting the need for equality across diverse identities.

Review Questions

• How did second wave feminism expand the definition of women's rights beyond suffrage?
  • Second wave feminism expanded women's rights by addressing various issues like workplace equality, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. While the first wave focused primarily on suffrage, second wave activists recognized that achieving political rights was just one aspect of women's liberation. They emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms that encompassed all areas of life where women faced inequality or discrimination.
• Discuss the role of key figures in second wave feminism and their contributions to gender equality.
  • Key figures such as Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and Audre Lorde played crucial roles in shaping second wave feminism. Friedan's book 'The Feminine Mystique' ignited discussions around women's dissatisfaction with traditional roles. Steinem co-founded influential organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW), advocating for equal rights in various sectors. Lorde highlighted the importance of intersectionality within feminism, bringing attention to issues faced by women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Evaluate how second wave feminism influenced religious thought and practices concerning women's roles within spiritual contexts.
  • Second wave feminism significantly influenced religious thought by challenging patriarchal interpretations of religious texts and practices. Many feminists sought to reclaim female deities and explore Goddess spirituality as an alternative to traditional religions that marginalized women's roles. This shift encouraged a re-examination of women's place within spirituality, leading to more inclusive practices that celebrate feminine power and promote equality within religious communities.

Related terms

Goddess Spirituality: A spiritual movement that embraces the feminine divine and often emphasizes the worship of female deities, promoting empowerment and connection to nature.

Women’s Liberation Movement: A grassroots movement during the 1960s and 1970s that sought to address various forms of discrimination against women and push for legal and societal reforms.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how different aspects of a person's social and political identities combine to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege.