Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the resurgence of feminist activism and scholarship that began in the early 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a broader range of issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual liberation. This movement built on the gains of first-wave feminism, which primarily addressed legal inequalities, by challenging social and cultural norms surrounding gender roles and expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism significantly expanded the focus of feminism to include issues like reproductive rights, equal pay, and sexual freedom, pushing beyond the suffrage movement.
2. Key legislation during this period included the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, both aimed at promoting gender equality.
3. The movement saw the rise of influential feminist figures such as Betty Friedan, whose book 'The Feminine Mystique' challenged traditional gender roles and sparked widespread activism.
4. Art became a powerful tool for second-wave feminists, with many artists using their work to critique societal norms and express female experiences.
5. Second-wave feminism led to the establishment of feminist art movements that provided platforms for women's voices in visual art, leading to new styles and approaches that highlighted women's perspectives.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism redefine the goals of feminist movements compared to first-wave feminism?
  • Second-wave feminism broadened the agenda beyond legal rights like voting, which were the primary focus of first-wave feminism. It tackled a wider array of issues including reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual liberation. This shift emphasized not only legal equality but also cultural and social transformations regarding gender roles, encouraging women to challenge societal expectations.
• In what ways did second-wave feminism influence the New York School's gender dynamics and representation in art?
  • Second-wave feminism played a crucial role in reshaping the New York School's gender dynamics by exposing the male-dominated art world and advocating for women's inclusion. Female artists began to assert their presence in galleries and exhibitions, demanding recognition for their work. This challenge to traditional representation allowed women artists to critique and redefine artistic practices while highlighting themes relevant to their experiences.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of second-wave feminism on contemporary feminist art theories and practices today.
  • The impact of second-wave feminism on contemporary feminist art is profound, as it laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions around gender identity, representation, and inclusivity in art. Today's feminist art theories often build on second-wave critiques by incorporating intersectionality and diverse voices, expanding beyond the binary understanding of gender. This evolution encourages artists to explore complex identities and societal structures, resulting in rich dialogues that challenge established norms in both art and culture.

Related terms

Intersectionality:

A concept that examines how various social identities (like race, gender, class) intersect and create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage.

Gender Politics: The study and analysis of how gender influences power dynamics within society, politics, and culture.

Radical Feminism: A branch of feminism that seeks to dismantle patriarchy as a system of power, emphasizing the need for a fundamental reordering of society to eliminate male dominance.