Question 2 What are the different ‘waves’ of the feminist movement (state time periods and key ideas) and what are the key arguments of each ‘wave’? Why do we call them ‘waves’? Flashcards
The feminist movement is often described in terms of ‘waves’
The feminist movement is often described in terms of ‘waves’, representing periods of intense political action followed by a small retreat. It is also like the waves of the ocean as there is action happening on the surface and when the waves recede there is things happening below (think whirlpools)
The first wave (1848-1918)
was rooted in the suffrage movement, with the primary goal of gaining women’s right to vote (though this initially excluded many women, such as Indigenous women). This wave was linked to abolition and temperance movements and often involved speaking for other women, with one woman acting as a spokesperson. Key events include the Seneca Falls Convention. Their issue was equality, believing that if men have a right, then women should have the same right. They wanted to be included in institutions like education and the workforce. LIBERAL FEMINISM
The second wave (1963-1980s)
was linked to civil rights and anti-war movements and focused on adding women into institutions and addressing issues like women’s inclusion in the workforce and education. Similar to the first wave, it often involved speaking for other women. Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique” and the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada were significant. They focused on equality versus equity and women’s access to institutions, primarily in the public realm. LIBERAL, RADICAL AND MARXIST FEMINISM
The third wave (1989-present)
emerged with the Montreal Massacre and emphasizes speaking with, valuing everyone’s story individually and collectively. This wave critiques the idea of a single feminist perspective and embraces diversity and intersectionality, with women of color often taking a dominant voice. It includes DIY movements and reclaiming language.
conclude
They are called ‘waves’ to signify periods of intense political action, but it is also noted that like waves in the ocean, there is always something going on underneath these periods.
