First of all what is it?
According to the webster dictionary feminism is "the theory of political, economical and social equality of sexes". But what does that really mean? Does it mean that women and man have equal political power? Does it mean that men and women make the same wages and have the same job oppertunities? No it does not. Thats why the second deffintion webster gives is "organized activity on behalf of womans rights and interest". Feminism is more than just a defintion in a book. It is an on going movement. It is a way of shaping the future. Its a way to set the balance straight between men and women. Its allowing us to possible live as equals and to have equal opportunity for both men and women.
When did feminism began? (First wave)
Feminism occurred in three waves. The first wave began in the late nineteenth century, early twentieth century. Thats not to say that feminism has no record of existing prior to those dates. The industrial revolution is what sparked the first wave. According to the Rise to Womanhood organization "many of the early trade union movements were in fact initiated by women workers". That's when we see women begin to step up in society and become involved. During the first wave, women had no right to vote, could not own property and "were considered as private properties to be purchased in marriage" according the the RWH organization. Women began to see the inequality and wanted change.
Second Wave of Feminism
The second wave happened between 1960 to about 1980. This is when women really begin to not just see the inequality but actually do something about it. The RWH organizations points out that "the movement was especially vocal in matters like civil rights, sexual liberation, childcare, health, welfare, education, work and reproductive rights including the right to abortion". The second wave really demonstrates how women came together and formed organizations. What was actually accomplished during the second wave? Many important things that we take for grantet today would don't be in effect if it were not for the feminist activist. Some of the things that were accomplished according to an article by feministactivist during the second wave would be;
When did feminism began? (First wave)
Feminism occurred in three waves. The first wave began in the late nineteenth century, early twentieth century. Thats not to say that feminism has no record of existing prior to those dates. The industrial revolution is what sparked the first wave. According to the Rise to Womanhood organization "many of the early trade union movements were in fact initiated by women workers". That's when we see women begin to step up in society and become involved. During the first wave, women had no right to vote, could not own property and "were considered as private properties to be purchased in marriage" according the the RWH organization. Women began to see the inequality and wanted change.
Second Wave of Feminism
The second wave happened between 1960 to about 1980. This is when women really begin to not just see the inequality but actually do something about it. The RWH organizations points out that "the movement was especially vocal in matters like civil rights, sexual liberation, childcare, health, welfare, education, work and reproductive rights including the right to abortion". The second wave really demonstrates how women came together and formed organizations. What was actually accomplished during the second wave? Many important things that we take for grantet today would don't be in effect if it were not for the feminist activist. Some of the things that were accomplished according to an article by feministactivist during the second wave would be;
- The Civil Rights act of 1964- This outlawed many forms of discrimination.
- Presidential Commission on Status of women- This origination was founded by John F. Kennedy in 1961. This was an organization that was meant to inform the president on current events and current feminist activities.
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Equal Credit Opportunity Act
- The 1974 Election of Elaine Noble as the first openly gay legislator in the state of Massachusetts
- Nebraska passed the first law in 1976 against marital rape
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978
- Much, much more
We must thank Feminist for taking a stand and changing history. Feminist can not take all the credit for many other people and activist groups were also involved with many of these accomplishments, but Feminist activist do deserve credit.
Third wave of Feminism
The third wave does not have an end. It is a continuing movement and is in full effect in our present day life. The third movement focuses on the failures or issues that were not addressed during the second wave of feminism. It is also on a much bigger scale and is going global to win women rights in other countries suffering from the same issues the United States was during the second wave.
How to become a Feminist or take part in the third wave
There are many things we can do to be part of the third wave. In an article by feministactivist the team states that "one who believes in the equality of all people, while recognizing that until and unless (all) women are equal to men, justice cannot be achieved. It is also necessary, however, to fight against racism, ableism, classism, homophobia, ageism, environmental degradation, militarization, and animal abuse. I fully believe in the power of strategic nonviolent action (SNVA) to bring about social justice and equality". This is important to understand because people are scared to become part of the feminist movement because of the reputation around it. Feminism is not just fighting for Women rights, its doing what is right and equal for everyone. To get involved the team suggests;
The third wave does not have an end. It is a continuing movement and is in full effect in our present day life. The third movement focuses on the failures or issues that were not addressed during the second wave of feminism. It is also on a much bigger scale and is going global to win women rights in other countries suffering from the same issues the United States was during the second wave.
How to become a Feminist or take part in the third wave
There are many things we can do to be part of the third wave. In an article by feministactivist the team states that "one who believes in the equality of all people, while recognizing that until and unless (all) women are equal to men, justice cannot be achieved. It is also necessary, however, to fight against racism, ableism, classism, homophobia, ageism, environmental degradation, militarization, and animal abuse. I fully believe in the power of strategic nonviolent action (SNVA) to bring about social justice and equality". This is important to understand because people are scared to become part of the feminist movement because of the reputation around it. Feminism is not just fighting for Women rights, its doing what is right and equal for everyone. To get involved the team suggests;
- VOTE! The fight was not easy and we should not take advantage of our voting rights.
- Educate yourself by learning about the feminist history and what there all about.
- Educate others with the knowledge you gain.
- Get together with other people.
- Take nonviolent action!
Why remember, Why learn, Why take part?
We live a wonderful life with many rights we did not have to fight for, but were given becuase of those who came before us. It is our job to protect those rights and enjoy them. We must learn about the rights we have and why we have them. In that, we won't let history repeats itself and we can only grow from knowing how we got to the place we are today.
Feminism in other parts of the world
In an article called Passion: Driving the Feminist Movement forward by Daveki Jain I learned a little bit about the authors life and how feminism has impacted other parts of the world. I thought this article was important to mention because it demonstrates how the waves of feminism were not only present in America, but also present in other country's, and areas of the world. Jain says "In some sense I was always a part of the women's movement even from my childhood. There was a clear demarcation of roles and attitudes between boys and girls, men and women, in the large and very heterogeneous joint family into which I was born. Girls learned dancing and vocal music and did not go out, while boys played outdoor games and were "free." In addition, women in groups or sanghas, were always present in my life. My mother was a member of variousmahila samajams (women's societies),including the very colonial ladies' clubs". As I was reading about Daveki's life I learned that she lived in India with her family as she has written. I thought this article related to my topic because it shows that people all around the world experienced the feminist movement and many people took place in the act.
Works Cited
Feminism in other parts of the world
In an article called Passion: Driving the Feminist Movement forward by Daveki Jain I learned a little bit about the authors life and how feminism has impacted other parts of the world. I thought this article was important to mention because it demonstrates how the waves of feminism were not only present in America, but also present in other country's, and areas of the world. Jain says "In some sense I was always a part of the women's movement even from my childhood. There was a clear demarcation of roles and attitudes between boys and girls, men and women, in the large and very heterogeneous joint family into which I was born. Girls learned dancing and vocal music and did not go out, while boys played outdoor games and were "free." In addition, women in groups or sanghas, were always present in my life. My mother was a member of variousmahila samajams (women's societies),including the very colonial ladies' clubs". As I was reading about Daveki's life I learned that she lived in India with her family as she has written. I thought this article related to my topic because it shows that people all around the world experienced the feminist movement and many people took place in the act.
Works Cited
“Feminism”
Merriam-Webster, 2011. 14 February 2013. Web.
Jain, Daveki. "Passion: Driving the Feminist Movement Forward." Journal of women's History. volume 24, issue4. (2012). Web.
Jain, Daveki. "Passion: Driving the Feminist Movement Forward." Journal of women's History. volume 24, issue4. (2012). Web.
Nair, Sanjay and
Karishma Anand. “History of feminism.” Rise-of-womenhood.org. 14 February 2013.
Web.
Tyson, Micheal.
“Waves of the women’s Movement in the US.” WordPress.
14 February 2013. Web.
Monique Domas.
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