The Feminist Movement

Throughout the history of mankind, there has always been a common belief that women exist inferior to men. The Bible demonstrates that God made the first woman Eve from the rib of Adam and God “[does] not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet” (1 Timothy 2:11-15). However, understanding their important role in the family and society and feeling tired of being undertreated by men, women finally stood up for themselves. In the 19th century, the Feminist Movement emerged and completely changed the lives of millions of women in the United States until this day. The Movement provides the new perspectives and protects the rights of women in social and political aspects.

Structured Inequality/Rationale:

The Feminist Movement was divided into three waves, first characterized by Marsha Lear in the New York Times Magazine in 1968 (Henry). The First Wave of Feminist Movement occurred as early as the late 19th and early 20th century. This period was known for the rapid territorial and economic growth, landmarks in political developments, and especially social and political reforms. During this period, women were confined in household work, leaded by and politically attached to their husbands, and received no higher education. Thus, the First Movement focused on the rights of women to gain social status in these aspects and especially the right to vote. Before the 1780’s, state laws mostly only allowed Caucasian males to vote. In 1797, New Jersey was the first state to allow women to vote with a restriction to only women with cash or property (“Women’s Suffrage”). In 1860, the revised Married Women’s Property was passed, allowing women to have control over their children’s will and money a...

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