Sociology
Feminism
"I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is; I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat." -- Rebecca West, 1913
Feminism: What is It?
1) A Social Movement: -- Three Waves (so far) 2) A Theoretical Perspective: -- Theoretical writings that explain and provide a better understanding of human behavior from a historically marginalized perspective; -- Quite varied in approach, explanations, and visions/solutions for social change.
Overlap of Gender and Race
Abolitionist and Women's Rights Pioneer: Sojourner Truth (1795-1883) "Ain't I a Woman?" 1851
Second Wave
During WWI.I, for the first time, women began to realize their occupational ability, economic potential, and personal independence.
Feminism: A Movement Three Waves (so far)
First Wave: (1792-1920) -- Concerned with establishing through policy that women are human beings, not property. -- Women must reject patriarchal notions that they are inferior to men. -- Primary focus: the right to vote
Third Wave
Lesbians, Bisexual, Transgender Women -- not an embarrassment or hindrance -- multiple jeopardy Global Feminism -- concerned with empowering women in developing nations to actualize change, gain power/equality within their own cultures.
First Wave
Mary Wollstonecraft's A Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792). Declaration of Sentiments, Seneca Fall, NY (1848) Women's Rights Convention, Akron, OH (1851) (Sojourner Truth) 1920: 19th Amendment Homework: Women's Suffrage Globally
Feminism: A Movement Three Waves (so far)
Second Wave: (1940s/60s-1970s) Concerned with total gender equality; that women should have the same social, political, legal, economic, and sexual rights as men have.
Second Wave
Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 1953 Betty Friedan, The Feminine Mystique, 1963 National Organization of Women (NOW) Gloria Steinem; ERA; Bra Burning; Helen Reddy
Feminism: A Movement Three Waves (so far)
The Second Wave was built on top of the achievements of the First Wave. Third Wave Feminism began its efforts with the established achievements of the Second Wave. "Standing on the Shoulders of Struggle"
Feminism: A Movement Three Waves (so far)
Third Wave (1970s - present): Concerned with recognizing female diversity and emphasizing inclusion of diverse voices and experiences.
Third Wave
Women of color: -- workforce issues -- women against men -- mothering -- interlocking oppressions (matrix of domination/multiple jeopardy)