The Second Wave Of Feminism

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For decades now, women have been fighting to earn rights for political, social and economic equality to men. What made the diversity change many of the rights against women after decades of being treated unequally? The second wave of feminism started to evolve near the end of the second World War. More women were starting to achieve degrees to pursue a career which will provide them wealth and joy. The second movement mainly focused on gender equality such as voting rights, reproductive rights and political rights. Due to the feminism wave, women earned respect world wide by standing up to achieve legal rights and equality to men. Therefore, the second wave of feminism that took place in the United States during the 1960s helped bring equality for women in the areas of education, work and pay, reduced violence against women, and helped gain rights in their reproductive and political lives.

To begin with, the second wave of feminism helped being equality to women in the areas of education, work and pay. Women’s education level has increased dramatically over the last few decades. Just over fifty years from today, there was a smaller percentage of women compared to men who were educated. In the twenty-first century, education indicators show that there is a greater rate of educated women than men. Before the second wave, girls were often bullied and treated unequally for attending school. Girls were expected to follow their mother’s footsteps and practice cooking, cleaning, gardening and other chores performed by the mother. The Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 was created to “forbid gender discrimination in schools and universities, and also addressed equity in sports.” Equality to girls was not given in school bu...

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...scrimination. Therefore, the second wave of feminism transformed many negative situations into positive ones.

Before the second wave of feminism, women have been put through many difficult situations such as, discrimination within the workforce, sexual and emotional violence, and not being able to achieve rights for themselves. They almost, never had a say in a decision which should be their choice. The second wave of feminism was necessary for women because they achieved personal and voting rights, the percentage of violence significantly decreased and it help bring equality among men and women. After many decades, people decided to treat women equally and legalize rights for an individual’s personal life. After years and years of fighting for equal rights and to demolish all stereotypes, did the world actually change their view of women?

Thivi Sasikumar

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