Feminist/Feminism Theory

Definition:
Feminist/Feminism theory is a range of political movements, ideologies and social movement that share a common goal which is
to define the advance political, economic, personal and social rights for women. The motive of this theory is to establish the
equal opportunities for women in education and employment.
History:
Charles Fourier, a Utopian Socialist and French Philosopher coined the word “Feminisme”in 1837. Fourier believed that all
important jobs should be open to women on the basis of skill and aptitude rather than closed on account of gender. The word
“Feminisme”and “Feminist” appeared in France and Netherlands in 1872 and in the Great Britain in the 1890’s and in the United
States in 1910.
Feminist Movement Waves:
The Modern Feminist Movement is divided into three (03) waves. Each wave dealt with different aspects of the same feminist
issues.
1. First Wave
2. Second Wave
3. Third Wave
1. First Wave: The first wave comprised “Women’s Suffrage” of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It promoting the women’s right
to vote.
2. Second Wave: The second wave was associated with the ideas and actions of the “Women’s Liberation” in the beginning of
1960’s. The second wave also campaigned for legal and social equality for women.
3. Third Wave: The third wave began in the early 1990’s in response to what young women perceived as “Failures of the Second
Wave”.
Four (04) Basic Principles in Feminism:
1. Working to Increase Equality
2. Expanding Human Choice
3. Eliminating Gender Stratification
4. Ending Sexual Violence and Promoting Sexual Freedom
1. Working to Increase Equality: