Historical Background

The history of feminist movement's strategies is classified in several waves usually formed in response to particular cultural events and political contexts. The first and second wave, which this exhibit focuses on, are well defined while the third and fourth waves are slightly less defined. 

The first wave focused on suffrage and reproductive rights, but noticeably excluded women of color. Women in the British Suffrage movement of the early 20th century shared many common characteristics. They shared orgins from middle to upper class households, fathers in high occupational positions, a disproportionate inclination to hold university degrees, and high participation in local government or charities. The majority of these women came from a position of privilege, which allowed them to easily mobilize resources and make connections to further the movement. 

The second wave was characterized by the fight against domestic violence, sexual harassment, and systemic sexism. The phrase "the personal is political" was the rallying cry of the movement. Betty Friedan's Feminine Mystique is usually cited as the start of the second wave. However, this wave was still mostly for middle class white women.

The third wave finally embraced diversity, intersectionality, and sex positiviity. It is often defined by Anita Hill's trial and the grrrl punk movement. The third wave's goal was to increase the amount of women in positions of power. 

The fourth wave is loosely our current era of Me Too, Time's Up, #YesAllWomen, and increased women in office. The internet and social media are widely used to aid the movement and speak out against men in positions of power.

Scroll over the circles on the timeline below to explore some significant events in the feminist movement that impact the examples presented in this exhibit.