Feminist Movement

Definition

The Feminist Movement is a social and political movement aimed at establishing and achieving equality between the sexes, focusing on women's rights, gender equality, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate discrimination. This movement gained significant momentum in the mid-20th century, influencing various aspects of society, including culture, politics, and law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The feminist movement in the United States is often divided into three waves: the first wave focused on suffrage and legal rights, the second wave addressed issues like workplace equality and reproductive rights, while the third wave emphasized diversity and individualism.
2. The publication of Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963 sparked widespread discussion about women's roles in society and is credited with helping launch the second wave of feminism.
3. Key organizations such as the National Organization for Women (NOW) were founded during this time to advocate for women's rights and push for legislative changes.
4. In addition to advocating for legal rights, the feminist movement has also sought to challenge societal norms surrounding gender roles, sexuality, and family structures.
5. The feminist movement has influenced various laws, such as Title IX in 1972, which prohibits gender discrimination in education and has significantly impacted women's sports and educational opportunities.

Review Questions

• How did the feminist movement impact societal views on gender roles during the 1960s?
  • The feminist movement significantly altered societal views on gender roles during the 1960s by challenging traditional expectations of women as primarily homemakers and caregivers. Activists emphasized women's rights to work, education, and personal autonomy, leading to broader discussions about equality. This shift encouraged many women to pursue careers and assert their independence, ultimately redefining what it meant to be a woman in American society.
• In what ways did the second wave of feminism differ from the first wave regarding its focus and goals?
  • The second wave of feminism differed from the first wave primarily in its broader focus on a range of issues beyond suffrage. While the first wave was largely concerned with legal rights, such as voting, the second wave tackled issues like workplace equality, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This shift also led to a more intersectional approach that recognized how factors like race and class affected women's experiences, making it more inclusive than its predecessor.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the feminist movement on contemporary society regarding legislation and cultural attitudes towards gender equality.
  • The long-term effects of the feminist movement on contemporary society are evident in both legislation and cultural attitudes towards gender equality. Key laws such as the Equal Pay Act and Title IX have laid the groundwork for ongoing efforts to eliminate gender discrimination in various fields. Culturally, there is a growing recognition of gender issues as essential topics within discussions about social justice. The movement has led to increased visibility for diverse voices within feminism and has prompted critical dialogues about intersectionality, contributing to an evolving understanding of gender roles in society.

Related terms

Suffrage:

The right to vote in political elections, which was a central goal of early feminist movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that aimed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex, reflecting the goals of the feminist movement.

Gender Roles:

Socially constructed roles and behaviors that society considers appropriate for men and women, which the feminist movement seeks to challenge and redefine.