1st and 2nd Wave Feminism – Goals and Successes

1^st Wave – 19^th and Early 20^th Century

At this time, the main focus of the feminist movement was for women’s suffrage (the right to vote). However, feminists also campaigned for the right to inherit property equally with their husbands. Other key concerns during this period were employment, marriage laws, education and the plight of intelligent middle-class single women.

 

Successes

Higher education became available to women and married women’s property rights were recognized – the Married Women’s Property Act of 1870 was introduced. The girls’ secondary school system was reformed and there was more accessibility to different professions for women, especially in the medical sector.

 

2^nd Wave – 1960’s

2^nd wave feminism broadened its focus to include other issues such as inequality in the workplace, sexuality, family life, reproductive rights and legal inequalities. 2^nd wave feminism drew more attention to domestic violence and marital rape. Feminists also paid more attention to “de-sexing the English language”. Words embedded in our language that were considered to be “sexist” sparked debate as they were said to represent a patriarchal society.

   Feminists also fought for the Equal Rights Amendment, Equal Pay Act and other laws that would contribute towards equality.

 Successes

This period of feminist activity achieved various changes in social and cultural norms and general attitudes towards the roles of women in society. Common assumptions about women wanting to marry and start a family as soon as possible were eliminated as it was revealed that many women wished for more educational and career opportunities. Consequently, many new careers and professions became available to women.

   Awareness was also spread regarding issues such as rape and domestic violence; domestic violence shelters first opened in the late 1960’s.