Second Wave of Feminism

Definition

The Second Wave of 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 social justice. It built upon the foundations laid by the First Wave, which primarily focused on legal issues and suffrage, expanding its focus to a broader range of social, cultural, and political inequalities faced by women in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Wave of Feminism is often marked by significant events such as the publication of Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963, which challenged traditional notions of women's roles.
2. Activists during this wave focused on workplace equality, education access, reproductive rights, and addressing domestic violence.
3. The formation of organizations such as the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966 played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and lobbying for legislative changes.
4. This movement also intersected with other social justice movements of the time, including civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights, leading to a more inclusive approach to feminism.
5. The Second Wave laid the groundwork for subsequent feminist movements by raising awareness about systemic gender inequalities and advocating for policy changes.

Review Questions

• What were some key objectives of the Second Wave of Feminism, and how did they differ from those of the First Wave?
  • The Second Wave of Feminism aimed to address a broader array of issues compared to the First Wave. While the First Wave primarily focused on legal rights such as suffrage, the Second Wave sought to tackle workplace equality, reproductive rights, domestic violence, and sexual autonomy. This shift marked a significant expansion in feminist activism, addressing not only legal inequalities but also social and cultural factors that contributed to women's oppression.
• Evaluate the impact of key figures and publications during the Second Wave of Feminism on public perception and policy.
  • Key figures like Betty Friedan and publications such as 'The Feminine Mystique' significantly influenced public perception by highlighting women's dissatisfaction with traditional roles. Friedan's work sparked widespread discussion about gender equality and inspired many women to pursue careers and education. This shift in perception led to increased activism and ultimately influenced policy changes, including advancements in reproductive rights and workplace equality.
• Analyze the relationship between the Second Wave of Feminism and other social movements during its timeframe, discussing both synergies and tensions.
  • The Second Wave of Feminism was deeply interconnected with other social movements such as civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights. Feminists collaborated with these movements to advocate for broader social justice issues, highlighting how gender intersected with race and sexuality. However, tensions also arose as some feminists prioritized women's issues over others, leading to criticisms that mainstream feminism often sidelined women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. This complex relationship shaped feminist discourse and encouraged a more intersectional approach in later waves.

Related terms

Feminist Theory:

A framework for understanding the nature of women's oppression and the ways in which societal structures perpetuate gender inequalities.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): A proposed amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex.

Reproductive Rights:

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