The Feminist Movement
The feminist movement involves the campaigns that were used to present the problems that females were going through in our society. These social organizations sought to address issues of community concern such as domestic aggression, unwelcome sexual advances, maternity leave, disparities in pay, and reproductive rights. In other words, the feminist movement focused on gender equality.
Traditional Roles of Women
Traditionally, women were not granted many rights that men used to enjoy. Their primary roles were to stay at home, give birth, do household chores, and look after children. For example, many organizations and industries did not employ women due to stereotyping and discrimination (Grady). Some of the feminist literature that contributed to feminist movement includes The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Superior Excellence of Women Over Men by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, The Woman's Labour, by Mary Collier, Letters on the Equality of the Sexes by Sarah Grimke and Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit. These books focused on gender and marriage equality by giving feminist experiences. Additionally, renowned feminist artwork such as The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago, Homeworkers by Margaret Harrison, and Little Woman at Home by Harrison similarly contributed to the feminist movement. Literature and artwork showed women participating in various aspects of society.
Waves of Feminism
Feminist movement occurred in three waves. The first-wave feminism focused on the political equality and suffrage of the upper and middle-class white women. The second-wave combated cultural and social inequalities. The third-wave feminism addressed various forms of inequities relating to cultural, social, and finance (Grady). Feminist movement gained momentum after the American Civil War when wives were left at home to take care of their children as their husbands went to war. During that time, women took over men’s role of providing food for their children.
Empowering Women
In conclusion, the feminist movement advocated for equal rights between women and men. Explicitly, it enabled females to be recognized in a male-dominated society. The feminist movement has empowered many women whose number in top leadership positions continue to rise.
Work Cited
Grady, Constance. “The waves of feminism, and why people keep fighting over them, explained.” Vox, 2018, https://www.vox.com/2018/3/20/16955588/feminism-waves-explained-first-second-third-fourth. Accessed 1 Nov. 2018.
