🇺🇸ap us history review

key term - Second Wave Feminism

Definition

Second Wave Feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the United States during the 1960s and lasted into the 1980s, focusing on a broader range of issues beyond just suffrage, including sexuality, family, workplace rights, reproductive rights, and legal inequalities. This wave sought to address systemic gender inequalities and promote social change, while also highlighting the intersections of race, class, and gender in women's experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Second Wave Feminism was influenced by the civil rights movement and anti-war protests of the 1960s, leading activists to expand their focus on women's rights.
  2. The publication of Betty Friedan's book 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963 is often credited with igniting the Second Wave by challenging traditional gender roles and highlighting women's dissatisfaction with domestic life.
  3. Activists fought for reproductive rights, including access to contraception and abortion, culminating in the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade in 1973.
  4. This wave of feminism also focused on workplace equality, advocating for equal pay and against sexual harassment in the workplace.
  5. The movement sparked discussions about intersectionality, acknowledging that women of different races, classes, and sexual orientations face unique challenges and discrimination.

Review Questions

  • How did Second Wave Feminism differ from First Wave Feminism in its goals and methods?
    • Second Wave Feminism expanded upon the goals of First Wave Feminism by addressing a wider range of issues beyond just suffrage. While the First Wave primarily focused on legal rights such as voting, Second Wave activists concentrated on systemic inequalities related to sexuality, family roles, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. Methods also evolved, with Second Wave feminists utilizing grassroots organizing, consciousness raising groups, and public protests to raise awareness and drive change.
  • Discuss the impact of Second Wave Feminism on legislation and social policies in the United States.
    • Second Wave Feminism significantly influenced legislation and social policies in the United States, resulting in key laws aimed at promoting gender equality. The push for the Equal Rights Amendment highlighted the demand for constitutional guarantees against sex discrimination. Title IX was enacted to prohibit sex-based discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funding, increasing opportunities for women in sports and academics. Overall, these legislative changes reflected a growing recognition of women's rights as fundamental civil rights.
  • Evaluate how Second Wave Feminism addressed intersectionality and the importance of recognizing diverse experiences among women.
    • Second Wave Feminism played a critical role in addressing intersectionality by acknowledging that women's experiences are shaped by various factors including race, class, and sexuality. This recognition led to a broader understanding of feminism that sought to include voices from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing that not all women face the same challenges or have identical needs. By incorporating intersectionality into its framework, Second Wave Feminism aimed for a more inclusive approach that would empower all women and address systemic inequalities across different social dimensions.