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20th-Century Feminism

Samuel Baker

Samuel Baker

6 min read

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European History Study Guide: Feminism, Marriage, and Power (20th-21st Century)

Welcome! This guide is designed to help you ace your exam by focusing on key concepts and providing clear, concise explanations. Let's get started!

1. Feminism: Shifting Roles and Status

1.1. 20th Century Transformations

Key Concept

Significant Changes: Women's roles underwent major shifts in the 20th century.

* **Suffrage:** Gained the right to vote in many countries. * **Workforce:** Massive entry into the workforce, especially during WWII.

1.2. Second-Wave Feminism (Mid-1960s to Late 1980s)

Key Concept

Beyond Suffrage: Feminists sought more than just the right to vote.

* **Key Issues:** * **Equal Pay:** Demanded equal compensation for equal work. * **Education & Careers:** Advocated for greater access to education and professional opportunities. * **Bodily Autonomy:** Fought for control over their own bodies, including sexual liberation and reproductive rights. * **Leadership:** Primarily led by educated, middle-class women. * **Goal:** To challenge patriarchal systems and structures. * **Impact:** Significant influence on politics and laws, especially in reproductive rights, domestic violence, and workplace equality.

1.3. Key Figure: Simone de Beauvoir

Key Concept

"The Second Sex" (1949): A foundational text of feminist literature.

* **Core Argument:** Women have historically been treated as the ...

Question 1 of 13

🎉 Which of these was a significant change for women in the 20th century?

Limited access to education

Reduced participation in the workforce

Gaining the right to vote

Decreased social mobility