The Waves of Feminism
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 18.2.1
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.
Test yourself on The Waves of Feminism
What did first-wave feminists believe in?
Which statement is false?
Which statement is true about second-wave feminism?