National Organization for Women (NOW)

Definition

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is a feminist organization founded in 1966 that aims to advocate for women's rights and promote gender equality in all aspects of society. It emerged as a response to the widespread discrimination and inequality faced by women, particularly in the workplace and in legal matters, and has played a crucial role in shaping the feminist movement and influencing public policy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NOW was founded by a group of women activists, including Betty Friedan, who sought to address the lack of legal rights and equal opportunities for women.
2. The organization's primary goals include advocating for reproductive rights, equal pay, and combating violence against women.
3. NOW played a pivotal role in the campaign for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which aimed to ensure legal equality for women under the Constitution.
4. The organization has been instrumental in promoting legislative changes, such as Title IX, which has significantly improved women's access to education and sports.
5. NOW continues to be a leading voice in the feminist movement, addressing contemporary issues such as workplace harassment, domestic violence, and intersectionality.

Review Questions

• How did the founding of NOW reflect the broader feminist movement during the 1960s?
  • The founding of NOW in 1966 was a direct response to the growing awareness of women's rights issues during the 1960s. This period saw an increase in activism against gender discrimination, spurred by publications like Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique.' NOW aimed to unify women and advocate for equal rights, reflecting the broader feminist movement's goals of challenging societal norms and pushing for legal reforms.
• Evaluate the impact of NOW on women's rights legislation in the United States since its inception.
  • Since its inception, NOW has had a significant impact on women's rights legislation by advocating for critical laws such as the Equal Rights Amendment and Title IX. The organization mobilized grassroots support and lobbied lawmakers to address gender inequality, leading to increased awareness and legislative change. Through its efforts, NOW has helped reshape public policy and improve opportunities for women across various sectors.
• Analyze how NOW's focus on intersectionality has evolved over time and its significance in contemporary feminist discourse.
  • NOW's focus on intersectionality has evolved significantly over time, recognizing that women's experiences are influenced by multiple factors such as race, class, sexuality, and ability. This shift towards a more inclusive approach is crucial in contemporary feminist discourse as it broadens the understanding of oppression faced by different groups of women. By addressing issues affecting marginalized communities, NOW emphasizes that true equality can only be achieved when all women's voices are heard and their unique struggles acknowledged.

Related terms

Feminism:

A social and political movement that seeks to achieve equal rights and opportunities for women in all areas of life.

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

Title IX: A federal law passed in 1972 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.