Equality for all!
What does Feminism say?
The term feminism is used to describe a variety of political, social, and cultural movements that seek equal rights for women. Feminists believe in the equality of men and women; they also argue against gender roles and stereotypes. Harriet Taylor Mill first coined the word “feminist” as an adjective meaning “of or about a woman.” It has been argued that it should be capitalized because it refers to a movement rather than just one person. In modern usage, feminism is :
1. A belief that women should have equal rights with men.
2. An organization for promoting these beliefs.
3. Any group advocating such views.
A Glimpse about the Early Feminists
There were many early feminists such as Hypatia, Sappho, and Aspasia in ancient times. The word “feminist” was not coined until 1879 by British writer Elizabeth Cady Stanton who used it to describe herself and other like-minded people.
First Wave Feminism: Women’s Suffrage and The Seneca Falls Convention
The American Revolution brought about sweeping changes for all citizens, especially for women who had been denied fundamental civil liberties since colonial times. During this period, some states granted limited voting rights to women while others did not allow them. By 1848, however, most conditions permitted women to vote if their husbands or fathers voted. But even though more than half of the U.S. residents were female, only one state—New York—granted full citizenship to women.
The 19th Amendment: Women’s Right to Vote
The Nineteenth Amendment granted American women the right to vote. But while this amendment gave women the same legal status as men, it did little to change gender roles. For example, even though married women had been given the right to own property since 1792, few used it until after World War I. And although some states allowed women to serve on juries, most still required them to swear on a Bible before being sworn in.
What about Developing Feminism At Work?
The Nineteenth Amendment granted American women the right to vote in 1920. But while this amendment gave women the same legal status as men, it did little to change gender roles. For example, even though married women had been given the right to own property since 1792, most still lived at home until after World War II. And although some states allowed women to serve on juries beginning in the late 1800s, few did.
Second Wave Feminism: Women’s Liberation
The Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted American women the right to vote in 1920. But while this victory seemed monumental at the time, it would take nearly another half-century before every woman had full citizenship rights under federal law. And even then, some states refused to ratify the amendment until 1972.
Third Wave Feminism: Who Benefits From the Feminist Movement?
The Nineteenth Amendment granted American women the right to vote in 1920. But despite this victory, women still faced discrimination at work, school, and home. For example, only one woman served in Congress from 1919 until 1963. And while some states had given women the right to own land since the late 1800s, most did not allow them to inherit property.
Can anyone be a feminist?
Yes! Feminists believe everyone should have access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, safe spaces for self-expression, freedom from violence, reproductive justice, an end to poverty, and so much more. We’re here because we want these things for ourselves and others. We don’t think there’s
one right way to do this; instead, we see many different ways to achieve equality.
What does feminism mean today?
The word “feminist” has been used to describe a wide range of people in the past few decades. It is often associated with women against gender roles or men who want equal rights for all genders. However, there have also been many feminists who were male and female. It is one of those words that can be applied in many different ways depending on who you ask or what they think about women’s rights. Susan B Anthony first coined the term as an attempt to
define her political views.