18.1a Context of Femenism

Question 1

Early feminism

Answer 1

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.

Women were still treated as second-class citizens during the 19th century across the world.

Women had no domestic rights, legal protection or political voice.

Feminism did not emerge as an ideology until the 20th century and the term has only become commonly accepted since the 1960s, according to Heywood.

Question 2

21st century feminism

Answer 2

Feminism embraces a diverse range of beliefs and goals. These have multiplied and become more complex over time, leading to criticisms of fragmentation and incoherence.

But, women’s issues and feminist perspectives are still significant in the 21st century.

Examples include the #MeToo movement, demands to end the pay gap, new legislation on domestic violence in the UK and the campaign to stop changes to abortion laws in some US states.