Feminism

What are the rise and effects on first and second wave feminism?

 

First – Wave Feminism

First – wave feminism was around in the 19^th and 20^th century, the same time as the war and the suffragettes. mainly focused on legal issues such as gaining women suffrage (The right to vote). Women were given the right to vote in 1928.

Marriage was rising and the number of men and women staying single was increasing. Women formed intense friendships with each other that helped to sustain the activism of the first – wave feminism as they were only focused on getting the right to vote.

Second – Wave Feminism

Second – wave feminism began during the 1960’s/70’s, mainly focusing on dismantling workplace inequality which gave women the freedom to have a career.

The way women were being shown in the media was having an impact on their life chances. Second-wave feminism broadened the debate to a wide range of issues.

Laws have been changed. The birth control pill was invented giving women freedom to careers. They had access to better jobs and salary inequity, through anti-discrimination laws.