The second Wave feminism emerged in the 1960s and 1970s in post war Western societies when certain groups of people felt oppressed. These groups included the black community and women who wanted more empowerment. Aside from this, this was a time when certain groups of people demanded to be heard and be respected for who they are. One such group is the homosexuals. There were radical voices that called for recognition of the rights of every person regardless of who they are and what they believe.
Second wave feminism was initiated by women of color and those from third world nations. These feminists used underground or guerrilla tactics to fight what was widely known as women oppression (Friedman 81). Women demonstrated and carried placards which had messages which implied that women were the victims of a patriarchal culture (Sagepub.com 8). It was clear the rights to vote were not enough and women called for respect and freedom which was the main agenda for the movement. In addition to racism, women felt cut off and reduced to servicing the revolution and this led to them forming women only groups that sought to empower them collectively and individually.
The groups that were fighting for the rights of women aimed at eradicating sexism and, therefore wanted to revolutionize the relationship between men and women at home and in the boardroom (David 63). The consciousness raising discussions were aimed at encouraging women to share their personal experiences while in the feminist struggle in order to help bring about change the mindset of the society towards their roles and capabilities at home and at their work places (Sagepub.com 10). Upon identifying the common struggle, they would address them using a political mindset.
Works Cited
David, Miriam, E. Personal and Political: Feminisms, Sociology and Family Lives. London: Trentham 2003
Friedman, Betty. The Feminine mystique (50th Anniversary Edition). New York: W. W. Norton 2013
Sagepub.com. Three Waves of Feminism: From Suffragettes to Grrls. Web. Retrieved on 26th March 2014. http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/6236_Chapter_1_Krolokke_2nd_Rev_Final_Pdf.pdf
