Feminism: Gender Inequality in the USA - Sociology Essay

This essay delves into the concept of feminism, tracing its origins from the women's rights movement and the women's liberation movement, emphasizing the fight for equal rights and opportunities for women. It highlights the first and second waves of feminism and their focus on legal and cultural inequalities, respectively. The essay examines the ongoing gender disparities in the USA, particularly in workplaces and wage inequality, while acknowledging the progress made. It references the National Organization for Women and its goals to ensure full participation of women in American society. The essay concludes by emphasizing the women's movement's impact on challenging gender inequalities and the positive changes in workplaces and society.

Running head: FEMINISM 1
Feminism
Name
Institution

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FEMINISM
Feminism emerged from several movements such as women's rights movement which
was also referred to as the women’s liberation movement. This movement advocated for equal
opportunities and rights for women. Moreover, the movement advocated for freedom for women
in politics that are to participate in voting. There was the first wave of feminism which happened
in the 9th and 20th centuries which was aimed to fight for legal inequalities. The second wave
took place between 1960 and 1980 and was focused on overturning cultural inequalities, gender
roles, and the general role of women in society. The movements spread across the USA and
activists emerged which assisted the women to air their grievances. The movement gained
momentum within a short period of time and in 1965, it gained support from the equal
employment opportunity commission.
After reading articles online, it is evident that there are still gender disparities in the USA
("Activism and the Women’s Liberation Movement", 2020). There is gender inequality in
workplaces which basically originate from where gender roles and beliefs are developed. Wage
inequality still exists where men are paid a relatively high salary compared to women. Despite
this, there has been a great improvement from the past years. However, after visiting the National
Organization for Women website, I learned that gender inequality in the USA has gained support
and it has about 500,000 members who are contributing to gender inequality in all the 50 states.
The main goal is to provide equality for women and ensure that women participate fully in
American society.
The women's movement has greatly challenged gender inequalities in American society.
After the first and second wave of feminism, the inequality rate has reduced in various ways.

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First, employers who had discrimination tendencies were required to increase the number of
employees in their workforces (Koehler & Calais-Haase, 2020). Additionally, employers were
banned from firing pregnant women. Through the women's movement, there have been reduced
cases of sexual harassment in workplaces and religious communities. Therefore, the movement
made women to be resected in American society and have a say in political, social, and economic
platforms without fear.

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References
Activism and the Women’s Liberation Movement. (2020). Retrieved 15 April 2020, from
https://www.bl.uk/sisterhood/articles/activism-and-the-womens-liberation-movement
[Accessed 15/4/2020]
Koehler, R., & Calais-Haase, G. (2020). Efforts by Women of Faith to Achieve Gender Equality
- Center for American Progress. Retrieved 15 April 2020, from
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/religion/news/2018/05/03/450268/efforts-
women-faith-achieve-gender-equality/ [Accessed 15/4/2020]