Woman in Society

Woman in Society
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the role of women in a given society during a specific era. In particular, it aims to identify and discuss the contributions that women made in the American society during the feminist movement. The essay begins by looking at the start of the feminist campaign, before revealing the part that women played. Feminism is a thought that dates back to the late 19th century, with Mary Wollstonecraft assuming the position of the mother of feminism via some of her works which fought for women’s interests and rights. Afterward, the paper focuses on the growth of the movement as American women began making more efforts to enjoy same liberties as men. This essay also shows that African American women had a crucial role to play as the 20th century approached. Finally, the paper mentions some recent (21st century) events that women have participated in, to show that women continue advancing the feminist thought.
Keywords: Women, Feminist Movement, Feminism
The Role of Women in The American Society during The Feminist Movement
Women have been pivotal to the rise and subsequent growth of the feminist thought. Feminism dates back to the 18th century when women began making efforts to ensure that they live fully and comfortably in a male-dominated society. Individual women have contributed to the progress made by the feminist movement, and they represent the overall efforts by women during this era. Mary Wollstonecraft (a British woman) is arguably the first female to support feminism and pave the way for its birth in 1792 (Head, 2017).

Wollstonecraft wrote a book (A Vindication of the Rights of Woman) arguing that the focus should be on female rights rather men’s rights. Wollstonecraft’s book paved the way for other women to champion for feminism, and one of them included Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who argued in 1848 that women were not enjoying fundamental rights like the liberty to vote (History.gov, n.d.; Head, 2017). Therefore, the American feminist movement grew out of women’s efforts in the global feminist campaign.
African American women also played a part in the growth of feminism, but not without the challenges of being black and women. In particular, Sojourner Truth revealed in her 1851 speech that there was hope as women and the black community had begun engaging in a conversation about rights (Head, 2017). Other black women made a significant contribution by founding the NACW (National Association of Colored Women) and other organizations that supported women’s interests and rights (History.gov, n.d.). Moreover, as the 20th century began, women continued advancing feminism as they significantly contributed to the second world war, founded NOW (National Organization for Women), challenged the state of abolition, and so forth (Head, 2017). Women still support the feminist movement in the 21st century, with events like the occasional March for Women’s Lives, and the March for Life (Head, 2017).
References
BIBLIOGRAPHY Head, T. (2017, August 5). Feminism in the United States: An Illustrated History of U.S. Feminism. Retrieved from ThoughtCo.: https://www.thoughtco.com/feminism-in-the-united-states-721310
History.gov. (n.d.). The Women’s Rights Movement, 1848–1920. Retrieved from History.gov: http://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Essays/No-Lady/Womens-Rights/