SOC 333 Social Movements and Gender

Social Movements and Gender

SOC 333

Social Movements and Gender

There are many social movements that have affected gender groups in society and have altered the way we live in the present day. Examples would include well-known women’s movements and gay rights movements that have existed throughout the century. Both men and women have fought their own battles to overcome the many obstacles that have stood in their way to have the freedom they deserve. Because of such outcomes, women in this era have the power to take on any challenges and pursue any profession they choose. Also, the homosexual community can now walk the streets freely without being harassed, and their struggle to eliminate discrimination has reached a point of victory. We all deserve the same opportunities in life and because of such movements it has been possible. Within this text, I will address three social movements that I believe have significantly affected public opinion on gender issues. I will describe each movement, and its effect on society. I will also explain how each movement changed public opinion on gender issues, as well as my own opinion on my view of gender in today’s society.

Women’s Rights Movement 1840s-1920s

Women’s rights were first challenged during the 1800s. The fight for women’s suffrage in the U.S first dates back to Jeannette Rankin’s entry into Congress.

‘The first meeting devoted to women’s rights was held on July19, 1848 in Seneca Falls” (Napikoski, 2014). The main organizers were Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Only about 100 people attended the convention, two-thirds of those individuals being women. “Staton drafted a declaration of Sentiments, Grievances, and Resolutions,” that echoed the preamble of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal. The main goal was achieving the “sacred right of franchise” (NWHM, 2007). From that day on the movement grew in awareness. Women reformers addressed issues that limited woman’s rights. This movement gave women hope in one day having the right to vote, and for the opportunity for greater educational and economic opportunities. Although it took time for the movement to blossom, the turning point came when the nation experienced a surge of volunteerism. Women were determined to expand their sphere outside their homes and become part of the community. “This movement was the beginning of the future, and in 1913 marked their first victory, the right for women to vote. Although it was only in states east of the Mississippi River, it was a major stepping-stone for women in the United States” (NWHM, 2007). This movement the first to change the way women were perceived in American Society.

Women’s Liberation Movement (Feminism)

Another memorable movement for women was the Women’s Liberation Movement, which was one of the best-known and most important political slogans in the 1960s and 1970s. Even after the initial movement for women’s rights, the struggle for equal opportunity and empowerment of their own lives was still a difficulty many women faced. “This “second wave” of the feminism movement was a collective struggle of equality that sought to free women from oppression and male supremacy” (Napikoski, 2014). They fought for an equal place in society. Women’s liberation groups such as the New York Radical Women and Redstockings fought to eliminate unfair sex roles. This movement affected society in a positive and negative way. It was a transformative element on how both genders perceived one another and themselves. Although, men felt threatened by the changes, it altered the idea of equality and positively impacted American society. The perception of what it meant to be an “American” had been transformed. “Women demanded to be treated equally to men, which meant equality in the workforce as well as equal pay” (Napikoski, 2014). This movement created a mass entry by women into the workplace. It also broadened the opportunities for women to have opinions and make decisions for themselves like the rights for abortion and the invention of the pill. This movement truly changed American society. It has not only made men and women equal to work along one another, but it has increased our economy and allowed every individual the power to pursue their dreams, make their own decisions, and practice the education they deserve.

Gay Rights Movement 1950s

Women are not the only individuals affected by social movements that affected the change in society. In 1950, the midst of America’s most conservative decade, Los Angeles gay rights activist Harry Hay founded the first national gay rights organization. Although it was a secret, the organization was first created as a place for homosexuals to gather and take steps towards their own liberation. After some time, the organization grew and spread to major cities across the country. “In 1979, Harry and fellow members reached out to activists across the country. Their first gathering launched a movement of radical faeries, which is still active throughout the U.S” (Bronski, 2002). This man stood up for social change. He spoke out and inspired a new generation to fight for their liberation and justice for all. His movement for equality towards homosexuals created empowerment for them to come out and be proud of whom they are. Now we live in a society that accepts every person as they are. Gender does not make the person. We are all free to make our choices and express whom we are in whatever way we choose.

Conclusion

Minority groups have risen against all odds and the oppression they faced against society because of their differences and the refusal to accept change. American society is not what it was two decades ago. We have evolved and turned America into actual freedom for all men and women regardless of our sexual preference. Women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, and men like Harry Hay have changed the way we can live our life in the present day. We are free to make our choices and be whom we want to be. Harry Hay gave individuals the right to choose the person who we want to spend the rest their lives with. Such movements that were once considered radical are now a norm for our society.

References

Bronski, M., (2002), The Real Harry Hay, Retrieved on February 09, 2014 from http://bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/other_stories/documents/02511115.htm

Napikoski, L, (2014), Women’s Liberation Movement, Feminism Glossary Definition, Retrieved on Feb. 09, 2014 from http://womenshistory.about.com/od/feminism-second-wave/a/Womens-Liberation.htm

National Women’s History Museum, (2007) Rights for Women: The Suffrage Movement and It’s Leaders, Retrieved on Feb 09, 2014 from: