Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the period of feminist activity that began in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a broad range of issues including equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and sexuality. This movement sought to address systemic inequalities and challenge societal norms regarding women's roles, pushing for not just legal rights but also cultural change around female subjectivity and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism emerged as a response to the limitations of first-wave feminism, which primarily focused on suffrage and legal inequalities.
2. Key figures of second-wave feminism include Betty Friedan, whose book 'The Feminine Mystique' sparked widespread discussion about women's dissatisfaction with domestic life.
3. The movement led to significant legislative changes, such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title IX in 1972, aimed at reducing gender discrimination.
4. Second-wave feminists sought to redefine female identity beyond traditional roles as wives and mothers, advocating for women's autonomy over their bodies and lives.
5. The influence of second-wave feminism can be seen in contemporary discussions about sexual harassment, workplace equality, and reproductive rights.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism differ from first-wave feminism in its goals and approaches?
  • Second-wave feminism expanded the focus beyond legal issues like suffrage, addressing a wider range of topics including sexuality, workplace rights, and reproductive health. While first-wave feminists primarily fought for women's right to vote, second-wave feminists aimed to challenge cultural norms and societal expectations that restricted women's identities. This shift represented a more comprehensive effort to achieve gender equality through both legal reforms and cultural change.
• Discuss the role of key texts and figures in shaping the second-wave feminist movement.
  • Key texts like Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' played a pivotal role in articulating the frustrations of women in post-World War II America, sparking conversations about women's roles beyond domestic spheres. Figures such as Gloria Steinem and Audre Lorde further shaped the movement by highlighting issues of intersectionality and advocating for a broader understanding of women's rights. Their contributions helped to solidify second-wave feminism as a significant force for change during the 1960s through the 1980s.
• Evaluate the lasting impacts of second-wave feminism on contemporary gender issues and movements.
  • The impacts of second-wave feminism are profoundly evident in today’s discussions around gender equality, sexual harassment, and reproductive rights. By challenging societal norms and advocating for legislative changes, second-wave feminists laid the groundwork for current movements such as #MeToo and the fight for comprehensive reproductive health care. This legacy continues to influence how gender issues are perceived and addressed, emphasizing the importance of both rights and cultural attitudes in achieving equality.

Related terms

Patriarchy:

A social system in which men hold primary power, dominating roles in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Gender Equality: The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender, promoting equal treatment and consideration of all genders.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various forms of inequality and discrimination overlap and affect individuals differently based on their identities.