Feminism (1st, 2nd, 3rd Wave)
As a broad general definition, feminism is described as, “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes”. Throughout history, women have traditionally faced a gender gap, varying in depth and reach depending on the culture, and such inequality has driven the increasing prominence of feminism in culture today.
The first wave of what we call feminism today, occurred in the late 1800’s - early 1900’s. As America entered a crucial point in the self-development of its identity and culture, social issues such as equality for women and African-Americans rose to the national spotlight. This first wave of feminism is traced back to the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 as an unofficial launching point, when 300 men and women rallied in favor of equal rights for women. The main focus of those supporting the first wave of feminism was the pursuit of voting rights for women, which culminated with the 1920 passing of an extension of the 19th Amendment, finally allowing women to vote.
The second wave of feminism emerged in the 1960's, yet another crucial point in the development of America’s social identity, and again, alongside various other social causes. America became increasingly aware of its role in dictating treatment of minorities, and movements supporting feminism and desegregation were reignited, while new movements, such as those promoting the awareness and rights of LGBTQ citizens were born. This wave of feminism is focused dominantly on sexuality and reproductive rights.
The third wave of feminism is the feminism we see today in the news and pop culture. As the first two waves of feminism focused on inequities rooted in law, the third wave of feminism, beginning in the mid 1990’s, focused on breaking down social barriers for women such as pay inequity and social constructs.
Works Cited
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism)
"The Three Waves of Feminism." The Three Waves of Feminism. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Aug. 2015.
(http://www.pacificu.edu/about-us/news-events/three-waves-feminism)
"19th+Amendment+to+the+U.S.+Constitution:+Women's+Right+to+Vote." National Archives and Records Administration. National Archives and Records Administration, n.d. Web. 28 Aug. 2015.
(http://www.archives.gov/historical-docs/document.html?doc=13&title.raw=19th+Amendment+to+the+U.S.+Constitution:+Women's+Right+to+Vote)
Very accurate description of the three waves! Good job!
ReplyDeleteI really like the way you broke down the 3 waves of feminism. Specifically, I like how you brought up the political impacts of the 1st wave vs the social impacts of the 3rd.
ReplyDeleteinteresting! i didn't know the different time periods were referred to as waves
ReplyDeleteVery intriguing post. I was unaware of the different waves/time periods involved with feminism. I like how you showed the difference in the political 1st wave and the social 3rd wave.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you specified what the main focus of each wave of feminism was. It is interesting to see how the movement progresses and evolves over time.
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