Second Wave Feminism spanned from the early 60s to the late 70s. This movement for female liberation was comprised of activism for women’s sexual freedom, where women strived for accessible birth control and abortion. It was also comprised of women wanting equal treatment in the workplace and in education. The National Organization for Women was formed in 1966. This organization was founded to unite feminists and promote their agenda to the country. During this period historic strides were made for women’s rights. Many women chose to liberate themselves from their traditional roles as housewives. More women were earning degrees and entering the workforce, birth control became more accessible, Title ix was passed in 1972, barring discrimination based on sex in higher education. Feminists had made historic gains during this era, but in the 1970s and into the 1980s, their attempts to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, a proposed amendment that had been at large since the 1920s, were unsuccessful. This was due to miscommunication and disagreement within several feminists groups and the efforts of opposers to the amendment, led by Phyllis Schlafly.
A vintage NOW button