Second wave feminism

Definition

Second wave feminism refers to the period of feminist activism that began in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a broader range of issues including gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. This wave expanded the fight for women's rights beyond suffrage, addressing societal norms, legal inequalities, and personal issues such as sexuality and family dynamics. Second wave feminists aimed to challenge and change the systems of power that oppressed women across various spheres of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second wave feminism emerged in the United States during the early 1960s, influenced by the civil rights movement and anti-war protests.
2. Key publications, such as Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique', highlighted women's dissatisfaction with traditional roles and sparked widespread activism.
3. The establishment of organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966 played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and pushing for policy changes.
4. Major legislative achievements during this period included the legalization of birth control and abortion in many states, along with Title IX, which prohibited sex-based discrimination in federally funded education.
5. Second wave feminism also emphasized the importance of personal experiences and consciousness-raising groups, encouraging women to share their stories to foster collective awareness and empowerment.

Review Questions

• How did second wave feminism differ from first wave feminism in its goals and strategies?
  • Second wave feminism diverged from first wave feminism by broadening its focus from primarily legal rights, such as suffrage, to a wider range of issues affecting women's lives. While first wave feminists sought political equality through voting rights, second wave feminists aimed at social equality by addressing issues like reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and sexual liberation. This shift included new strategies such as consciousness-raising sessions that encouraged women to share personal experiences as a means to foster collective action.
• Discuss the role of key figures in second wave feminism and how they contributed to its goals.
  • Key figures like Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and Angela Davis significantly shaped second wave feminism. Friedan's book 'The Feminine Mystique' challenged traditional gender roles and highlighted women's dissatisfaction with domestic life. Gloria Steinem became a prominent spokesperson for feminist issues through her journalism and activism, while Angela Davis brought attention to intersectionality by addressing the interconnectedness of race, class, and gender in oppression. Their contributions helped mobilize women across diverse backgrounds to advocate for systemic change.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of second wave feminism on contemporary gender equality movements.
  • The legacy of second wave feminism continues to influence contemporary gender equality movements by establishing foundational principles like intersectionality and reproductive rights. The achievements made during this period paved the way for ongoing discussions about workplace equity, sexual harassment, and reproductive autonomy. Modern movements often build upon the frameworks developed by second wave feminists, using strategies such as grassroots organizing and digital activism to address current challenges while reflecting on past lessons. This connection underscores how historical struggles inform today's fight for gender justice.

Related terms

Women's Liberation Movement: A social movement during the late 1960s and 1970s that sought to achieve equal rights and opportunities for women, emphasizing issues like reproductive rights and workplace equality.

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, which became a significant focus for second wave feminists.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various forms of discrimination (such as race, class, gender, and sexuality) overlap and impact individuals differently, which gained prominence during second wave feminism.