Module 4: Women's Liberation

Second Wave Feminism emerged in the 1960s, building on the foundation laid by the First Wave, but focusing on a broader range of issues related to gender equality and social justice. One of the key catalysts for this movement was Betty Friedan's groundbreaking book, The Feminine Mystique, which articulated what she called "the problem with no name" — the deep dissatisfaction many suburban housewives felt with their limited roles as wives and mothers. Friedan’s work highlighted how the idealized suburban lifestyle, which promised fulfillment through domesticity, often left women feeling unfulfilled, isolated, and stifled. This frustration resonated with many women across the country, sparking a wider conversation about gender roles, personal freedom, and the limitations imposed by traditional gender norms.

As Second Wave Feminism grew, it expanded its focus beyond issues like suffrage to include workplace equality, reproductive rights, and the reexamination of gender norms in both public and private life. Women began to challenge the idea that their place was solely in the home, and they demanded more opportunities in the workplace, fair wages, and an end to discrimination. The movement also shed light on the social and economic disparities between women of different classes, as working-class women often faced additional struggles in balancing work and family life. At the same time, the feminist movement also addressed issues like divorce, emphasizing that women should have the freedom to leave unhealthy relationships without facing societal stigma or financial ruin. For many women, the fight for freedom was not just about achieving professional success, but also about gaining control over their personal lives and choices.

One of the defining features of Second Wave Feminism was its challenge to the traditional gender norms that had confined women to specific roles within society. The feminist movement called for equal rights in education, the workplace, and in the family, demanding that women be able to pursue careers, achieve financial independence, and make decisions about their bodies, including access to birth control and abortion. While the movement helped secure significant legal gains, such as the passage of Title IX and the legalization of abortion, it also faced criticism and internal divisions. Some feminists pushed for radical changes in social structures, while others advocated for more gradual reforms. Nevertheless, Second Wave Feminism reshaped the discourse around gender equality, offering women more choices and opportunities for freedom than ever before, and laying the groundwork for future waves of feminist activism.