History Of Feminism

The word feminism was comparatively new one in the beginning of the 20th century. It is interesting that at first this word in the Oxford English Dictionary was used with the negative meaning. In the 1890s, some writers used an alternative term – ‘womanism’ – with the same hostility. This term has been used as an explanation of a strong-minded woman, who could even come across to a man, despite his prejudices. (Walters 2005)

Nowadays it is fair to say that ‘feminism’ is a troublesome term. Feminism is one of those terms that inconveniently defy simple explanation. (Beasley 1999, p.9) Moreover, feminism is really complex and has wide diversity which provides obstacles to easy understanding of term’s meaning. Now it is popular to see at this term a range of movements and ideologies that share a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve equal political, economic, cultural, personal, and social rights for women. (Hawkesworth 2006, p. 26-27) This includes seeking to establish equal opportunities for women in education and employment.

The middle of the 20th century has been incredibly important to all the women of that time and all the upcoming generations. By that time women could not be quiet any longer and began to express themselves in order to being heard and understood.