Feminism, regardless of its face or how it is expressed is primarily about the promotion and establishment of women’s rights. Feminists, whether they are female or even male, are essentially interested in promoting the right of women to equality, whether that equality is political, social, spiritual or physical.

The American Feminist Movement

The discussion about women’s issues and rights is not new and has been part of human dialogue for thousands of years. During the post industrial revolution however, it came into sharp focus as women struggled against a patriarchal society that publically declared that women were “non persons”. As women debated their right to education, careers and the right to vote, feminist movements evolved around the world to provide solidarity and unity to their cause.

Different countries moved at different speeds in revising and amending public policies as they pertained to women. Even within those countries that awarded limited rights to some women, the movements were initially most successful amongst middle class Caucasian women from the industrialized nations. Women from poorer social economic groups and those from non-Caucasian backgrounds had to wait a lot longer for the same rights to be afforded to them.

However despite the early successes, it would be as late as the mid 20th century before real change was seen in the way women’s issues and rights were viewed and legislated. As the hippy generation of the mid 60’s embraced feminism, so also did movements such as the American Feminist Movement find their popularity with an increase in numbers and a strengthened political weighting.

Effect of the 19th Amendment of the Constitution on the American Feminist Movement

A major victory was scored for the suffragette movement in the USA when in 1919 the US Government passed the 19th Amendment of the Constitution which officially recognized the right of women to vote. This was the final phase in what has been called the first wave of feminism in the USA and around the world which primarily focused on women’s equal rights in owning property and marriage. Many of the women who had been influential in campaigning for these rights had been involved in the campaigns against slavery in the 1800’s and so were already household names in the USA when they turned their attention to women’s rights.

Following the passing of the 19th Amendment, the focus of the American Feminist movement turned to issues of discrimination in public places including workplaces and society in general. Some have suggested that the civil rights movements and the women’s rights movements of this era drew strength and support from each other as each shared similar concerns on similar issues.

This continues to be the focus of most feminist groups today in American Feminism, however increasingly, attention is turning to what has been called a third wave feminist movement which focuses on issues relating to all women, rather than the more public issues that relate to certain socio-economic groups.

The American Feminist Movement Today

Although women associate with the American Feminist Movement for many reasons today, there is a general theme that is pervading the movement. Gender equality issues are now expressed in campaigns for religious, racial and socio economic rights.