What Is Feminism?
The word feminism often appears in news, books, and conversations. At its heart, feminism is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities in education, work, family, and society. It is not about one gender being better than another. It is about fairness, respect, and equality.
A Brief History
In the 1800s and early 1900s, many women around the world began to demand the right to vote and to take part in government. Known as suffragists or suffragettes, they organized marches and gave speeches. This period is called the first wave of feminism and focused on voting and legal rights.
The second wave in the 1960s and 1970s pushed for social and economic equality: equal pay, access to education and jobs, and control over their own bodies. Activists like Gloria Steinem helped raise awareness about gender roles and discrimination.
The third wave, starting in the 1990s and continuing today, includes people of many backgrounds and focuses on diversity. It recognizes that not all women experience inequality in the same way, and it connects gender with issues of race, class, and identity.
What Feminism Stands For
Feminism supports equal opportunities for everyone. It challenges stereotypes—for example, that women must care for children or that men should never show emotion. It supports safe homes and workplaces, education for girls, and respect in public life.
Feminism Today
Feminism is a global movement. In some places, girls still have less access to school or are expected to marry very young. Feminists work to change these situations through education, law, and activism. Feminism also benefits men by encouraging a society where everyone can express feelings, share childcare, and choose any career.
Why It Matters
Gender equality helps communities grow stronger and fairer. When women and men have the same chances to learn, lead, and create, everyone benefits. In the end, feminism is a movement for justice, freedom, and equality for all people.
Vocabulary List
Tap the speaker to hear each word.
- feminism — The belief in equal rights and opportunities for all genders.
- equality — Being treated the same in rights and chances.
- suffragist — A person who worked for the right to vote.
- discrimination — Unfair treatment because of who someone is.
- stereotype — A simple, fixed idea about a group of people.
- equal pay — The same salary for the same work.
- activism — Actions like protests or campaigns to create change.
- diversity — Having many different kinds of people and ideas.
- gender roles — Social expectations about how men and women should act.
- movement — A group of people working together for change.
Comprehension Questions
- What is the main idea of feminism?
- What goals did the first wave of feminism focus on?
- Which new issues became important during the second wave?
- How does the third wave view diversity and identity?
- Give two examples of stereotypes that feminism challenges.
- How can feminism benefit men as well as women?
- Why does gender equality help communities?