Unveiling the Evolution of Feminism: An In-Depth Exploration of its Past, Present, and Future

By: Caleb Dunn, Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

Throughout United States history, we have seen major advances in the feminist movement. From shattering glass ceilings to improving media representation, feminist accomplishments are far-reaching and ever-evolving. Feminism began as a fight for basic human rights and has evolved into a nationwide movement for equality as a whole. Today, feminists continue to push boundaries, advocating for social justice in the real world and in the digital sphere. 

First-Wave Feminism (1848-1920)

Just centuries ago, women experienced limited human rights and were restricted by law in how they could live. Women could not vote, own their own homes, or have a say in their own healthcare. These injustices sparked a catalyst for change — the women’s rights movement. 

Key events:

• Seneca Falls Convention: In 1848, over a few hundred men and women rallied together to discuss the inequalities women faced. 
• 19th Amendment: After a decades-long campaign by pro-suffrage activists, the 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920 by the United States government, granting women the right to vote. 

Second-Wave Feminism (1960s-1980s)   

This time period was arguably the most crucial turning point for women’s rights. Although women could now vote, they still struggled with social norms that limited other areas of their lives, such as careers and healthcare.

Key events:

• Equal Pay Act of 1963: Eliminated wage discrimination.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prevented employers from discriminating against employees based on race, religion, sex, or national origin. 
• Griswold v. Connecticut (1965): Protected married couples’ right to privacy, including access to contraception and other forms of birth control.
• Roe v. Wade (1973): Protected a woman’s right to have an abortion.

Third- and Fourth-Wave Feminism (1990s-Present)

Although the feminist movement engendered many important changes, early feminist groups tended to focus exclusively on issues faced by white, cishet, and middle- or upper-class women. Unfortunately, this led to the exclusion of women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women of different socioeconomic statuses. 

Over time, diversity and intersectionality have become essential to the feminist movement. In contemporary feminism, it is understood that every person has a unique background and endures different struggles. These experiences are shaped not only by gender but by factors such as race and sexual orientation. 

Key events:

• #MeToo: Ignited by the sexual abuse allegations against former film producer Harvey Weinstein, this movement brought awareness to the issue of sexual abuse and harassment of women in the workplace. 
• Women’s Marches: On January 21, 2017, hundreds of thousands of people gathered to march in Washington, D.C., to protest the Trump administration’s threats to reproductive, civil, and human rights. 

Throughout history, women have gathered as one time and time again to fight for their rights. Feminism is not a battle between women and men; rather, it seeks to create a world where people are treated with justice and respect regardless of gender, sex, race, and religion. As our world changes, feminism remains strong, striving to make this world a better place for all.