Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the period of feminist activism that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. This wave expanded the feminist agenda beyond the suffrage movement to encompass a broader range of social, political, and cultural inequalities faced by women, advocating for structural changes in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism is often associated with key texts like Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique,' which highlighted the dissatisfaction of women in domestic roles.
2. This wave brought about significant legislative changes, including the establishment of laws against gender discrimination in the workplace.
3. Activists during this period focused on issues like reproductive rights, leading to landmark cases such as Roe v. Wade in 1973, which legalized abortion in the U.S.
4. The movement also addressed issues of sexuality and reproductive health, advocating for access to contraception and comprehensive sex education.
5. Second-wave feminists organized events such as the Women's Strike for Equality in 1970, drawing attention to workplace inequities and demanding equal rights.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism expand the goals of the feminist movement compared to earlier waves?
  • Second-wave feminism broadened the feminist agenda beyond suffrage, addressing a wide range of issues affecting women's lives. While the first wave primarily focused on legal rights like voting, the second wave tackled workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, sexual liberation, and cultural representations of women. This shift signified a more comprehensive approach to gender equality, as activists aimed to challenge both systemic inequalities and societal norms.
• Evaluate the impact of second-wave feminism on women's rights legislation in the United States.
  • Second-wave feminism significantly influenced women's rights legislation by advocating for laws that addressed gender discrimination and promoted equality. One notable achievement was the passage of Title IX in 1972, which prohibited gender discrimination in education. This legislation increased women's access to educational opportunities and sports, contributing to a shift in societal perceptions about women's roles. The movement's emphasis on reproductive rights also led to key legal decisions that protected women's autonomy over their bodies.
• Analyze how intersectionality shaped the discussions within second-wave feminism and its legacy today.
  • Intersectionality emerged as a critical framework within second-wave feminism, challenging the notion that all women experience oppression in the same way. By recognizing that race, class, sexuality, and other identities intersect with gender, activists began to address a more diverse array of women's experiences. This understanding has had lasting implications for contemporary feminist movements, encouraging inclusivity and a recognition that solutions must consider these intersecting identities to be truly effective. The legacy of this approach continues to inform current discussions around social justice and equity.

Related terms

Women’s Liberation Movement: A social movement that emerged during the second wave, aiming to achieve equality for women across various aspects of life, including personal rights and social roles.

Intersectionality:

A concept introduced by feminist scholars that emphasizes how various forms of oppression intersect, affecting women differently based on race, class, and other social categories.

Title IX: A U.S. federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits gender discrimination in educational programs and activities, significantly impacting women's access to education and sports.