Answer to Question #231801 in Sociology for Lindiwe

Question

Introduction and Conclusion of Critically discussing the three waves of feminism

and their shortcomings. Moreover, discussing the feminist critique

advanced against Mainstream Sociology.

Answer 1

Feminism is one of the world's oldest social movements. There is no single definition of feminism, but it comes down to eliminating gender discrimination and the establishment of gender equality. There are various varieties of feminism within this purpose. Feminism can be separated into waves rather than being described in isolation from one another. Though not without problems, the wave concept is the most prevalent justification for feminism's movements. It has the potential to oversimplify a complex history of morals, concepts, and people that are frequently at odds with one another. With this simplification, one would mistakenly believe that feminism's history is a straight line. The reality is far more complicated. Numerous sub-movements are expanding on one another. . Nonetheless, the wave metaphor is an excellent place to start. It doesn't tell the entire tale, but it does assist in sketching it out. There are three waves to the game: first, second and third waves. The first wave in the late 19th-century was not the first appearance of feminist ideals, but it was the first natural political movement for the Western world. In 1792, Mary Wollstonecraft published the revolutionary Vindication of the Rights of Woman. In 1848, about 200 women met in a church. They came up with 12 resolutions asking for specific rights, such as the right to vote. Reproductive rights also became an important issue for early feminists. After years of feminist activism, Congress finally passed the 19th amendment in 1920 and gave women the vote. This was almost 30 years after New Zealand became the first country where women could vote.

In the 1960s and 1970s, second-wave feminism emerged. It was based on first-wave feminism and questioned the position of women in society. Activists concentrated on the institutions behind women, inspired by the Civil Rights movement and anti-Vietnam War rallies. This necessitated a closer examination of the reasons behind women's oppression. Traditional gender and family roles have been called into question. Feminist theorists grew in popularity.

 The race became more prominent in third-wave feminism. In 1989, gender and critical race researcher Kimberle Crenshaw invented the term intersectionality. The word describes how many kinds of discrimination, such as gender and ethnicity, interact with one another. While mainstream first and second-wave feminism mostly disregarded or ignored racial differences within gender, the Third Wave did. Rebecca Walker, a 23-year-old Black bisexual woman, created the term third-wave feminism in 1992. When the internet was widely used, it became even simpler to hear feminists' viewpoints and ideas from all over the globe. Feminism was growing in popularity.

This idea eventually disempowers women. Non-females can act based on rights and responsibilities, utility, or any other basic concept and avoid engaging with women since their ethics is not one of duties and privileges. Feminist theories do not take into account men's natural proclivities. They do to men what they claim has been done to women incorrectly for millennia. Feminist sociology is a conflict theory that looks at gender and power in the context of face-to-face interaction and reciprocity within a larger social framework. Sexuality, ethnicity, financial status, and nationality are among the topics covered.

In conclusion, mainstream feminism that wants to liberate all women inevitably to solidarity politics, solidarity economics, and revolution, a worldwide citizen's movement. Feminists, both women and men, must continue to proclaim this and subscribe to solidarity politics. If feminism is to be feminist, it must be revolutionary. Furthermore, all progressive groups must be aware of the intersectionality problem and commit to eliminating all types of inequality, including male dominance and gender oppression, that they meet within their organizations and in their organizing.