1960-Present Day Feminist Movement

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The Feminist Movement from 1960 to Present Day Although the Feminist movement has been around for centuries another big movement, called the second wave, was brought around in the winter of 1961. President John F. Kennedy had just created the President’s Commission on the status of women and appointed Eleanor Roosevelt as head (Fuentes). They published the American Women, a report on the social statuses of women, and their opinions of ways to improve this. They were all for supporting women’s advancement in society. Later in 1963 the equal pay act was passed and was to take effect at the start of 1964. This was a large step for American women, it made it illegal for employers to pay women less than men just based on their sex. In addition …show more content…

They had almost reached their goal of legally ending discrimination in the education system. The women accomplished this by filing class action lawsuits. In 1972 the completed this with Title IX being passed. It outlawed any sex discrimination in the education system and even the playing field for female athletics. Also 1972 the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was passed in both the house and the senate, and it went out for ratification from the states. In order for this amendment to become law it had to pass in 38 states. This had a ten year time limit, and unfortunately in 1982 it had only been passed in 35 states (The 1960s-70s American Feminist Movement: Breaking Down Barriers for Women). In 1973 abortions were legalized in all 50 states (Cohen). A huge step forward in the Feminist Movement. It now gave women the right to decide what was best for her body and let her reclaim power over …show more content…

They are protesting the beauty standards the United States has socially constructed, and instead promote the “Love your body” campaign. With recent reports showing females are out earning their husband’s, women are still expected to dress and act a certain way. In crimes against women, people still say “she was asking for it” and “she shouldn’t have dressed like a slut” (Murphey). “In Siemiatycki’s words: ‘In middle and upper-class society, we have attained just enough rights to not want to fight, but not enough to stop thinking and complaining about it’” (Murphey). This can really be seen with the lack of equality bills being passed. In the 1960’s and 70’s they passed everything they could and were successful; now there isn’t anything being passed or fought for. This has now became the reality for a lot of third-wave feminists. Although the fight for equality is still ongoing its future is looking dim. If there isn’t people who are willing to stand up and promote their cause at any cost then a movement will