Women's Liberation Movement: Second Wave Feminism — Reading Comprehension

The Women's Liberation Movement, also called Second Wave Feminism, began in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. Its main goal was to challenge gender discrimination and demand equality in American society. While women had already won the right to vote in 1920, many still faced barriers in education, jobs, and law. The movement gained strength because women felt that earlier progress had not gone far enough.

There were several causes for the rise of Second Wave Feminism. The growth of higher education after World War II meant more women attended college and began to question their roles. The Civil Rights Movement inspired activists to use protest and organizing to demand change. At the same time, women noticed that even when they worked, they often earned less than men for the same jobs. This became known as the gender pay gap. One activist, Betty Friedan, wrote in her book The Feminine Mystique, "Each suburban wife struggled with it alone. As she made the beds, shopped for groceries...she was afraid to ask even of herself the silent question—Is this all?" This famous quote helped many women realize they shared similar experiences and feelings of unfairness.

The movement used several strategies to make change. Activists formed groups like the National Organization for Women (NOW) to fight for laws against discrimination. They organized rallies, wrote petitions, and challenged unfair practices in courts. Some women protested by refusing to follow traditional expectations, such as wearing certain clothes or staying home. Others focused on passing new laws, like Title IX in 1972, which required schools and colleges to give equal opportunities to both sexes. These efforts showed many people that laws and customs could change through collective action.

However, not everyone agreed with the movement's goals or methods. Some critics believed that changing traditional gender roles would harm families or society. Others argued that the movement did not include the voices of all women, especially women of color or working-class women. This led to internal conflict within the movement and debates about what true equality meant. Despite these conflicts, the movement made significant gains, such as greater access to higher education, legal protection against job discrimination, and expanded discussions about women's rights in the public sphere.

The impact of Second Wave Feminism continues to shape American society. While many legal barriers have been removed, debates about equality, representation, and rights remain. The movement taught future generations the importance of questioning unfair systems and working together to create social change. Its legacy is both complex and powerful, reminding us that progress often involves both unity and disagreement.

Interesting Fact: In 1970, over 50,000 people marched in New York City for the Women's Strike for Equality, making it one of the largest women's rights demonstrations in U.S. history.

When did Second Wave Feminism begin?

Who wrote The Feminine Mystique?

What does Title IX address?

How did the Civil Rights Movement inspire feminists?

Why did some criticize the movement?

What was a major effect of the movement?

The movement ended gender discrimination in the US. True or false?

What does 'internal conflict' mean?