Overview of the Movement
The term “second-wave feminism” refers to the feminist movement that occurred from the 1960s through the 1980s. This movement was an expansion of the second wave, that moved beyond women's suffrage, and began to push for equal opportunities for women in the workplace, at home, and in the public realm. The movement was also concerned with reproductive rights, domestic abuse, and rape. Because this movement coincided with the Civil Rights Movement, there was an increase in concern for the rights of women of color, and intersectionality became part of the conversation. This refers to the interconnected categorizations that may apply to an individual or a group. For example, a woman may experience both racism and sexism because of the intersection of her race and gender. Conversations started to occur related to the rights of homosexuals as police around the country began to raid gay bars in big cities.
Key Events & Achievements
Equal Pay Act 1963
Roe v Wade 1973
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee is formed 1970
Third World's Women's Alliance formed in 1970
Influential Women
Learn about the following women to decide who deserves a place on the Mount Rushmore of Women display. Choose one woman from this wave and be prepared to defend your choice.
Margaret Sanger (1879-1966) Betty Friedan (1921-2006)
Gloria Steinem (1934 - ) Angela Davis (1944 - )
Audre Lord (1934-1992) Shirley Chisholm (1924-2004)
Dorothy Pitman Hughes (1938 - 2022) Bella Abzug (1920-1998)
Coretta Scott King (1927-2006) Midge Costanza (1932-2010)
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933 -2020) Dolores Huerta (1930 - )