Feminism and Feminist Movements

Paper Summary:

This paper contends that feminism in all its various forms has been a misunderstood phenomenon and that if feminist groups ever achieved any acceptance, it was during the latter period of feminism when women sought equal rights for themselves and adopted milder yet effective tools. The paper examines how the man-hating speeches and allegedly selfish tactics were replaced by more sensible and acceptable tools such as demands for equal rights in the workplace, education and other important fields. The paper also looks at how the contributions made by people like Betty Friedan, Ruth Rosen and Phyllis Schlafly will always be remembered for highlighting the causes of feminism and sometimes even attacking them blatantly.

From the Paper:

"This was in complete contrast to the literature published in early 1960s when feminism was at its peak. During this time, we came across such enlightening books as the Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedman. Friedman was among the generation of 1950s young women who could no longer see themselves in the role of a submissive housewife. They wanted more from life and being confined to homes was something highly undesirable. These sentiments were captured by Friedman in her book when in a tone of utter desperation, she wrote: "It is urgent to understand how the very condition of being a housewife can create a sense of emptiness, non-existence, nothingness in women. For women of ability in America today, I am convinced there is something about the housewife state that is dangerous. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Friedan, Betty. The Feminine Mystique. Dell, 1963.
• Ruth Rosen. The World Split Open: How the Modern Women's Movement Changed America. New York and London: Penguin, 2000.
• Phyllis Schlafly, The Positive Woman. Penguin Women's Studies (1977)

More papers on Feminism and Feminist Movements:

• Article Review # 102820 : "Indian Women's Feminist Movements"
• Essay # 41827 : "Feminist Movements"
• Essay # 137314 : "Feminism and Society"

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