FEMINISM

 

First Wave Feminism

 

First-wave feminism was a period of feminist activity during the 19th and early 20th century throughout the world, especially in the UK, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States. It focused on legal issues, primarily on gaining women's suffrage, e.g. the right to vote.

 

The efforts that led to the women having right to vote in 1920 are referred to as ‘first-wave feminism’. These women were concerned with women’s political equality and the right to vote. These women were largely white and upper class, and were not concerned about the rights of working class women.

Founding Beliefs -

• Required approval of male voters,
• forced to adopt any argument necessary
• intensified racism, nativism and class bias                 

After the Votes -

• Birth control pills were available
• Expansion of education opportunities
• Crusade against lynching and other race based violence and injustice
• Fight for improved working conditions         

 

 

 

 

Second Wave Feminism

 

Second-wave feminism is a period of feminist activity that first began in the early 1960s and spread throughout the world. This was focused upon -

• The rights of women in the workplace
• Equal pay for men and women
• Fair employment opportunities for married women
• Reproductive rights

 

The second wave feminism expanded upon the issues raised and focused on matters such as reproductive rights, e.g. the pill and domestic violence. Although the pill gave women great control over their reproduction, they were still unable to seek a safe abortion in some cases.

 

There were a number of effects due to this feminist act such as the civil rights act. This made it illegal for employers to discriminate upon sex, race and religion.