Past Feminism Vs. Today's Feminism Since Ada

Past Feminism Vs. Today's Feminism Since the creating of Adam and Eve, women and men have always been viewed and treated differently; and that is not necessarily a positive thing. Especially when females were viewed as fragile and less intelligent. Females that are victimized from these inequalities are extremely unhappy. July 13, 1848 was the the first known date for the beginning of the women's rights movement.

Feminism has been a pivotal movement in shaping gender equality in the United States, evolving through different eras with significant milestones and setbacks. The origins of feminist activism date back to July 13, 1848, a landmark date when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and other women gathered for the inaugural women's rights movement, advocating for suffrage, legal rights, and social equality. This movement laid foundational ideals emphasizing that women deserved the same economic, social, and political rights as men. Early feminist efforts, such as Stanton and Susan B. Anthony’s establishment of the National Women’s Suffrage Association in 1869, were driven by the desire to secure voting rights and legal recognition for women, challenging societal norms that marginalized females and denied them their agency.

The battle for women’s voting rights was fraught with challenges, exemplified by the passage of the 15th Amendment in 1870, which prohibited denying suffrage based on race or previous servitude but notably excluded women from this legal recognition. This racial and gender prejudice underscored the systemic barriers women faced. The legal landscape further reflected societal sexism in cases like Lochner v. New York (1905) and Muller v. Oregon (1908). In the latter, the Supreme Court upheld laws limiting women’s working hours based on outdated notions of female fragility and reproductive capacity, cementing gendered discrimination in labor laws. These legal battles demonstrated that, despite societal progress, institutional biases persisted deeply within the legal system.

Throughout the 20th century, women’s rights advocates achieved significant victories, including the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, granting women the constitutional right to vote. Additionally, women increasingly entered public office, breaking barriers in political representation. These breakthroughs demonstrated that collective action and advocacy could influence policy changes, paving the way for greater gender parity in governance. The presence of women in elected positions has been shown to impact public policies significantly, bringing diverse perspectives and championing issues previously overlooked, such as healthcare, education, and family welfare (Carroll, 2001).

One notable pioneer who challenged stereotypical notions was Jane Colden, America's first female botanist, whose extensive plant catalog and scientific contributions challenged the stereotype that women were intellectually inferior. Colden’s accomplishments exemplified that many women across history have made vital contributions to science and knowledge, despite societal restrictions. Such achievements underscore the importance of educational opportunities and societal support in empowering women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields (Foner, 2014).

Despite these advancements, contemporary feminism has taken on new, often contentious forms. Today’s feminist movement is characterized by a focus on issues such as gender identity, pronoun usage, and societal perceptions of gender roles. Some critics argue that modern feminists are fighting for issues that are redundant or that they seek to redefine traditional gender norms to an extent that challenges societal stability. For example, some feminists advocate for being recognized as gender-neutral or for preferences that blur biological distinctions—positions that, critics claim, undermine biological realities and traditional societal structures.

One of the most controversial contemporary issues involves the participation of women in the military draft. While previous generations fought for women’s equality in voting, work, and education, today's feminists have extended their advocacy into military service, with some arguing that women should be required to register for the draft, aligning with their full integration into the military (Steinhauer, 2016). This move has sparked debates about gender roles, fairness, and societal expectations, raising questions about the implications of such policies for both genders and for national security.

In social contexts, gender role expectations in relationships have shifted dramatically. Modern men often expect women to pay for meals, not hold doors open, and even initiate romantic pursuits—actions that historically reflected traditional male dominance and female submission. Conversely, women now frequently ask men out and contribute equally to household responsibilities, eroding traditional gender norms. These changes, while promoting equality, have also led to lighter standards for partner selection and relationship expectations, resulting in societal confusion and dissatisfaction among some women who uphold traditional values (Peters & Wolper, 1995).

The societal perception of women continues to evolve, with some believing that the current feminist movement is straying from its original goals. Critics argue that modern feminism sometimes promotes the idea of women needing to overcompensate by adopting masculine traits or seeking to be viewed as equivalent or superior to men, rather than pursuing genuine equality. Furthermore, some feminists advocate for gender fluidity and non-binary identities, which, to traditionalists, threaten societal cohesion and the clarity of gender roles (Butler, 1990).

In conclusion, the evolution of feminism from its inception in the 19th century to the present day reflects significant advancements in women’s rights and societal perceptions. The early feminist movement achieved critical victories such as women’s suffrage and increased participation in public life, laying the groundwork for ongoing struggles for gender equity. However, contemporary feminism faces complex challenges, with some arguing that its current focus diverges from the initial goals of equality and justice for women. As society continues to grapple with these issues, understanding the historical context and diverse perspectives within feminism is essential to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.

References

• Butler, Judith P. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge.
• Carroll, Susan J. (2001). The Impact of Women in Public Office. Indiana University Press.
• Foner, Eric. (2014). Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W.W. Norton & Co.
• Peters, Julie, & Wolper, Andrea. (1995). Women's Rights, Human Rights: International Feminist Perspectives. Routledge.
• Steinhauer, Jennifer. (2016). Senate votes to require women to register for the draft. The New York Times.
• Additional scholarly articles on feminism's history and contemporary debates.