Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the period of feminist activity that began in the early 1960s and continued through the 1980s, focusing on issues such as equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This wave expanded the feminist agenda beyond suffrage to include a broader range of social, cultural, and political inequalities, influencing various fields including art, gender studies, and activism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism challenged traditional gender roles by advocating for women's rights in areas like education, employment, and reproductive health.
2. The publication of influential texts like Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963 played a crucial role in sparking second-wave activism by addressing women's dissatisfaction with societal expectations.
3. This wave also saw the rise of feminist art movements that aimed to express women's experiences and challenge male-dominated narratives in art and culture.
4. Key achievements of second-wave feminism included legal victories such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion in the United States.
5. Second-wave feminism laid the groundwork for later feminist movements by emphasizing the importance of solidarity among women from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism influence performance art in the 1970s and 1980s?
  • Second-wave feminism had a significant impact on performance art during the 1970s and 1980s by encouraging artists to explore themes related to gender, identity, and body politics. Feminist artists used performance as a medium to challenge societal norms and express their personal experiences with oppression. This period saw the emergence of influential female artists who utilized their work to critique patriarchy and advocate for women's rights, effectively integrating feminist ideology into contemporary art practices.
• Discuss the relationship between second-wave feminism and issues of gender and sexuality during this period.
  • Second-wave feminism profoundly influenced discussions around gender and sexuality by advocating for sexual liberation and challenging heteronormative standards. Feminists questioned traditional views on gender roles, promoting the idea that one's sex should not determine one's societal expectations or opportunities. Additionally, this wave encouraged the exploration of LGBTQ+ identities, leading to more inclusive discussions about sexuality that emphasized empowerment and self-expression for all genders.
• Evaluate the contributions of second-wave feminism to feminist and queer theory's development.
  • Second-wave feminism significantly shaped both feminist and queer theory by introducing concepts such as patriarchy, gender roles, and sexual liberation. The critiques of gender norms initiated by second-wave feminists laid the groundwork for later theorists who expanded these ideas to include intersectional perspectives. This evolution led to a richer understanding of how different identities interact with systems of power, encouraging scholars to explore not only women's issues but also the complexities of queer identities within feminist discourse.

Related terms

Women's Liberation Movement: A social movement that emerged during the second wave, advocating for women's rights and aiming to dismantle patriarchal systems in society.

Reproductive Rights: The legal rights and freedoms related to reproduction and reproductive health, including access to contraception and abortion services.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how different aspects of a person's identity (such as race, gender, sexuality, and class) intersect and impact their experiences of oppression or privilege.