Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and lasted through the 1980s, focusing on a broader range of issues compared to the first wave, including reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexuality. This wave aimed to challenge the societal norms and legal inequalities that restricted women's rights, expanding the conversation around gender and emphasizing personal and political dimensions of women's experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism is often associated with the publication of Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963, which criticized the domestic roles assigned to women.
2. This wave of feminism expanded the focus beyond suffrage to include issues like workplace discrimination, sexual autonomy, and reproductive rights.
3. Key events during this period included the formation of organizations such as the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966.
4. The movement helped bring about significant legal changes, including the passage of Title IX in 1972, which prohibited sex-based discrimination in education.
5. Second-wave feminism also sparked debates around sexuality and challenged traditional notions of femininity, advocating for women's sexual liberation.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism differ from first-wave feminism in terms of its goals and focus?
  • Second-wave feminism shifted the focus from primarily achieving voting rights and legal equality, which characterized first-wave feminism, to addressing a broader range of issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual autonomy. While first-wave feminists concentrated on legal barriers to women's participation in public life, second-wave feminists sought to challenge cultural norms surrounding gender roles and push for societal changes that would improve women's lives in various spheres.
• Discuss the impact of key texts like 'The Feminine Mystique' on the second-wave feminist movement.
  • 'The Feminine Mystique,' written by Betty Friedan, played a pivotal role in igniting second-wave feminism by articulating the frustrations of many suburban housewives who felt unfulfilled in their domestic roles. The book's critical analysis of women's dissatisfaction with traditional roles resonated widely and encouraged women to seek greater personal and professional fulfillment. Friedan's work not only inspired many women but also led to increased activism and organization within the feminist movement, challenging societal norms.
• Evaluate how intersectionality has influenced contemporary feminist movements that trace their roots back to second-wave feminism.
  • Intersectionality has greatly influenced contemporary feminist movements by highlighting how race, class, sexuality, and other identities intersect with gender to shape individual experiences. While second-wave feminism laid the groundwork for addressing broader gender issues, it often overlooked the complexities faced by women of diverse backgrounds. Modern feminist movements now incorporate intersectional perspectives, recognizing that different women experience varying degrees of privilege and oppression. This evolution reflects a more inclusive approach that aims to address systemic inequalities in all their forms.

Related terms

Reproductive Rights: Legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, including access to contraception and abortion.

Gender Roles: Socially constructed roles and behaviors typically associated with being male or female, which can limit individual expression and opportunities.

Intersectionality:

A framework for understanding how various forms of social stratification, such as race, gender, class, and sexuality, intersect to create unique experiences of oppression or privilege.