Feminism
A term that is used very often, and sometimes very casually nowadays. It is something that is still important and relevant in this age. We have always heard that history is important and so is the history of feminism. It doesn’t seem important now because women’s place in the society is much better than it used to be. But it was very important when it started out.
So, what exactly is the history of feminism?
The first - wave of the feminist movement occurred during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It prevailed all throughout the western world. It revolved around getting women basic legal rights, and just equalizing them to men. It fought for rights that we can’t imagine being without in this age. Political and business domains were dominated by men, and they didn’t consider women as a threat to their positions. Married women were treated like property by their husbands. Since women weren’t even treated as individuals with the right to make their own choices, the concept of marital rape was non-existent, and women couldn’t even apply for divorces incase of same. They couldn’t get up ahead of the ranks even as working women. And they couldn’t even vote. This movement is also related to the abolitionist movement (USA), and is also marked with the ‘Declaration of sentiments’, held at the Seneca Falls Convention. NWSA and AWSA were formed in 1869. They worked towards women suffrage and overall upliftment of women in the society. They merged into one association (NAWSA), and Wyoming became the first state to grant suffrage to women.
The second wave of feminism lasted from the 1960s to the 1980s, in reaction to women returning to the roles of housewives after the first wave. Women were fired from jobs because the men who had joined defense forces had returned, and were expected to just go back to being cooped in the house. Having tasted independence, women did not wish to be in the household now, and thus came the second wave of feminism. This one focused more on aspects like rape, reproductive rights, domestic violence, and workplace safety. It worked to elevate the inferior image that had been associated with women around the world. The ‘triggering event’ of this movement was the publishment of Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique”, inspired by Simone de Beauvoir’s “The Second Sex”. Oral contraceptives were also made available starting from 1961, and a presidential commission for the status of women was set up, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt. Slowly and gradually powerful women rose up to ranks, no one imagined before the first wave.
It is truly amazing what raising a voice can get us as people. In today’s world when the equations between men and women are much better, we might take these struggles for granted, but they are the basis of the kind of equality we receive.
About the Author
Prisha Gohil, a member at PsyCreative Column
Psychology Committee, SDSOS, NMIMS
Prisha Gohil, born and raised in Rajkot, Gujarat, is a 17-year-old, full of youth and quirky enthusiasm, something clearly visible in her writing. She is currently studying psychology at SDSOS, Mumbai. Her biggest achievements are her family and friends, who have always been an inspiration to her. She is full of energy when she is awake, which she rarely is. Her dream is to sleep but does some productive work in between here and there while reaching her final goal. Communication is one of the best skills she possesses, that she has nurtured over time. Confident, charismatic, hard-working, and passionate are words that would appropriately describe her.
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