The different types of feminism:
• liberal feminism − sees individualism as the basis of gender equality
• socialist feminism − believes that gender inequality stems from economics and that capitalism creates patriarchy
• radical feminism − believes that the biggest problem facing so...
Waves of Feminism
• First wave - liberals - Mary Wollstonecraft
• Second wave - liberals - Betty Friedan
First Wave Liberal Feminists
Feminist ideas began in the Enlightenment period. The first key feminist text
was by Mary Wollstonecraft, “A Vindication of the Rights of Women” in 1792.
The roots of feminism
First wave liberal feminists’ demanded equal rights on the enlightenment
principle that they were human beings and it was not rational for them to be
denied this.
The emphasis was on individualism as the basis for gender equality.
First wave literature
Mary Wollstonecraft argued for an equal right to a good education and a
professional career, later reinforced by Charlotte Gilman, who attacked the
“slavery” of housework.
John Stuart Mill advocated the same foundational rights for everyone, which
should not be based on ‘accidents of birth’.
Suffragettes
The suffragists and later the suffragettes e.g. Emmeline Pankhust campaigned
for and won the right to vote.
This emphasises the dominance of liberal feminism in the first wave.
Second Wave Feminism
‘Second wave’ liberal feminists in the 1960s believed the first wave had not
gone far enough and that the position of women had hardly changed.
Feminism resurfaces
The second wave arose in the 1960s, as evidenced by the Women's Liberation
Movement.
In spite of legal and political reforms, these feminists argued discrimination
against women continued.
It moved feminist demands for change into the social and personal sphere.
Betty Friedan
In “The Feminine Mystique”, Betty Friedan talked of an unspoken sadness of
women in not reaching their potential.
Friedan founded NOW in the USA in 1966 (The National Organisation for
Women).
This was the largest women’s organisation in the world, with huge influence
and impact.
Impact of second wave feminism
Second-wave liberal feminists achieved Equal Pay Acts, changed abortion
laws and continue to push for equality in all spheres.
Today’s focus for reform is often on more women achieving higher positions
in politics, business and other professions.
Evidence of a continuing pay gap and unequal representation of women in
these professions still dominates feminist movements.
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