Feminism & Law Essay

Feminism simply refers to the thought that wo hands and men should have similar and equalise rights in all fronts, be it sexually, politics, economics or civil amongst others. Though feminism efforts can be traced clog to the late 19th century, intense activism can be placed at the upper quarter of the twentieth century where there arose feminist movements, philosophy, theories and literature supporting equality between the genders. Indeed these movements and efforts bore fruits and be credited with the revolution that would see a flurry of laws enacted and policies aimed at opening more opportunities implemented.The recent past times years have seen this change and feminist movements have become dormant and almost irrelevant, many chalk up that this has been brought forth by the mere fact that their grievances were addressed. Indeed feminism had genuine grievances. A look at the traditional bon ton, and also the prevailing circumstances up to the world war period, indicates tha t the society was highly patriarchal. two the unwritten and the written rules were aimed at subjugating women while elevating the position of men in all aspects.Job opportunities, politics and economics were wholly dominated by men. Women leadership was looked down upon and women roles were only limited to household chores. The solution of Sentiments, a document detailing grievances of women as published in 1846 during the Seneca Falls Convention, has clearly outlined these concerns indicating how diversity raged in the male dominated society be it in the marriages, economics and also in the workplaces (Estelle, 2003). The nominate grievances ranged from the role of women in marriages and also the pursuit of equal opportunities in the workplaces.The first wave of feminism was concentrating its efforts in rooting out inequality aimed at property rights and universal voting rights. These were accorded by the law by the first quarter of the 20th century. The second wave of liberati on was radical and was pursuing injustices meted out against women revolving most cultural and political inequalities. These grievances were touching on the very foundation of marriage and sought to ensure that a womans voice and rights in marriage were respected and ensured by the law.Consequently, legislations recognizing marital rape were enacted and womens rights in regard to divorces were also put into place. Abortion was also a key concern and resulted to increase activism demanding for women to be allowed to take control of their sexuality and also the fate of their pregnancies. The Roe v Wade bourn court ruling that outlawed abortion was seen as a major success for feminist movements. governmental and social rights were advanced. The third wave of feminism became referred to as the Womens Liberation and took place from the late seventies to 1990s.This was aimed at rooting out sexism and all forms of discriminations especially in the workplaces. Women demanded laws aimed at tackling sex discrimination and abuse. This was a wave that was also aiming at rooting out the perception that feminist movements were pursuing the upper partitioning women, it is for this reason that this movement began focusing at the issues that greennessplacely affected women such as gender establish violence and the removal of gender based connotations and stereotypes (Estelle 2006).With the accomplishments of the ideals that feminism sought to achieve, there is now a general feeling that feminism has become irrelevant. As Anita (2004, 96) contends, years and years ago this feminist thing was genuinely big and people did fight for womens rights, and that was good. But we are equal now, so theres not that need. This is indeed the prevailing situation feminism has ceased to be relevance. Women have acquired rights and although still disadvantaged, have equal rights to men.The angry bra burning and men bashing activists are no semipermanent around as their common objectiv es were met and the modern woman is unencumbered by the traditional feminist ties (Estelle 2006). The popular media is said to mirror the society bringing into perspective all the held perceptions and norms. A comparison of the movies that cropped up a couple of decades ago and straight offs movies for example indicates a stark contrast. Whereas the 80s movies gave women subtle and supportive roles, modern movies are according men and women equal roles and are portraying women compete the roles that were regarded as the preserve of men.They are also no longer seen as sex toys and objects to provide comic relief in movies and magazines just now are rather playing active roles. Todays women are seen as assertive in their own right but not mere props to support men, they are holding executive roles and have plunged deep into the vehement executive and political affairs if the recent Hillary Clintons candidature is anything to go by. They possess charisma and enough magnetized pull to carry out demanding political tasks as their men counterparts.Though sexism is yet to be eradicated, the plastered feminist movements no longer enjoy the huge membership like they used to in the 80s, directly they have taken a more integrative approach. References Anita H. (2004). All about the girl culture, power, and identity. Routledge. Estelle B. F. (2006) Feminism, sexuality, and politics essays. UNC Press. Estelle B. F. (2003) No Turning Back The History of Feminism and the Future of Women. Ballantine Books.