Second Wave Feminism

During the 1950’s and 60’s we see the second wave of feminism takes its rise and with it and a new set of demands. The development of “sisterhood” is very important in this wave because it creates a more direct connection between women and seeing each other as one. The powerfulness of sisterhood becomes the theme to the second wave, and connection with one another. There is also a connection with sisterhood and identity in politics, there is more demand for women representation in office and more acceptance of women as professionals. Sexuality becomes very important during this wave and this large idea that women have the right to their own sexuality and how they decide to go about that identification. Although the focus was revolved around empowering women it was also controversial because it was only a certain type of women being represented and leaving behind the rest of the women. For example women of color and transgender women were not fully represented in this space. Representation became a very important topic but it also teared the movement in two and created a division that we can see affecting the movement. (Jennifer M.)

This is where the universal category of the woman first emerged. This form of feminism focused a lot on things such as reproductive rights, working rights, and economic rights. It was during this time period that the Equal Rights Amendment was brought forth. This form of feminism was arguably the beginning of a politics centered upon identity politics within feminism. It lasted from around the 1950s to 1990s (Rampton). [Satveer]