Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to the social movement that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a wider range of issues beyond just suffrage, such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual liberation. This wave sought to address systemic inequalities faced by women and challenged traditional gender roles and societal norms, influencing discussions around identity politics and the understanding of femininity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism arose as a response to both the civil rights movement and the first wave of feminism, expanding the focus on legal inequalities to broader societal issues.
2. Key achievements of this movement include significant advancements in reproductive rights, including the legalization of contraception and abortion in many countries.
3. The movement also highlighted workplace discrimination, advocating for equal pay for equal work and combating sexual harassment in professional settings.
4. Prominent figures during this time included Betty Friedan, whose book 'The Feminine Mystique' questioned traditional domestic roles for women and ignited public discourse.
5. Second-wave feminism played a crucial role in shaping contemporary discussions about gender norms, pushing for a reevaluation of femininity and how it is perceived in society.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism expand the focus of feminist activism compared to the first wave?
  • Second-wave feminism expanded the focus of feminist activism by addressing a broader range of issues beyond suffrage. While the first wave primarily concentrated on women's voting rights, the second wave tackled systemic inequalities related to reproductive rights, workplace equality, and sexual liberation. This shift allowed feminists to challenge traditional gender roles and societal expectations, ultimately seeking comprehensive social change.
• In what ways did second-wave feminism critique traditional notions of femininity and gender norms?
  • Second-wave feminism critiqued traditional notions of femininity by challenging the idea that women should be solely defined by their roles as wives and mothers. The movement argued for a more inclusive understanding of femininity that embraced women’s rights to education, career opportunities, and personal autonomy. By promoting diverse representations of women in society, it questioned restrictive gender norms and encouraged individuals to redefine what it meant to be feminine.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of second-wave feminism on contemporary discussions surrounding identity politics and social change.
  • The lasting impact of second-wave feminism on contemporary discussions surrounding identity politics is profound. It laid the groundwork for recognizing the importance of intersectionality by highlighting how various identities interact with systems of power. This era's push for broader inclusivity has influenced current feminist movements to consider race, class, sexuality, and other factors in understanding women's experiences. As a result, discussions about social change today often incorporate these complexities, advocating for a more nuanced approach to equality.

Related terms

Intersectionality:

A framework that examines how different aspects of a person's identity, such as race, gender, and class, interact and contribute to unique experiences of oppression and privilege.

Gender Roles: Socially constructed norms that dictate the behaviors, expectations, and responsibilities associated with being male or female in a given society.

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