Liberal Feminism: A History of Liberal Feminism

Liberal feminism is a prominent branch of contemporary feminism. As a political philosophy, liberal feminism advocates for women's legal and political rights. Scholars and activists use the term “liberal feminism” to distinguish this form of political philosophy and activism from other branches of feminism and feminist theory, such as socialist feminism or radical feminism. Liberal feminism emphasizes the rights of the autonomous individual and aims to gain equal rights and representation through legislation.

The ongoing fight for equal rights goes back centuries, but liberal feminism has a lineage that traces back to specific philosophies and political strategies within the women’s movement. Below is a brief overview of liberal feminist history:

• Early activism: Liberal feminism began during the Englightenment, with the rise of the political philosophy known as classical liberalism. Like many classical liberals in the late-eighteenth century and early-nineteenth century, liberal feminists believed that the best way toward women’s liberation was the right to vote. Early feminist scholars and activists drew inspiration from Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) and later from John Stuart Mill’s The Subjection of Women (1869).
• Seneca Falls Convention: This 1848 convention in Seneca Falls, New York, organized by early American feminists such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, was perhaps the first convention in the women’s rights movement. Discussions at the event focused on sexual discrimination in the public sphere and expanding fundamental rights, emphasizing voting.
• Voting rights: In 1920, women in the United States gained suffrage and the right to serve in public office. These were significant strides toward an egalitarian society with gender equality.
• Civil rights: In the 1960s, major feminist activism gained momentum as many liberal feminists identified a connection between racial discrimination and gender discrimination. There was increased pressure to pass the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution during this period, although it was ultimately unsuccessful.
• Influential texts: The Feminine Mystique (1963), by feminist scholar and activist Betty Friedan, examined women’s sacrifices in society, particularly with household labor. The publication of Friedan’s book was a catalyst for second-wave feminism.
• Second-wave feminism: The second wave of feminism pushed for equal opportunities in the workplace, home, and public sphere. During this movement, middle-class liberal feminists fought against gender inequality in the workplace. They spoke publicly about gender roles at home, the wage gap, sexual harassment, domestic violence, healthcare, child care, and reproductive rights.
• Lasting influence: Liberal feminist activism continues today, even as the overall movement has diversified in representation and philosophy.

Liberal feminism differs from other strains of feminist thought and activism. Below are some of the tenets of liberal feminism:

1. 1. Individualism: Liberal feminism focuses on personal freedom and autonomy. More radical feminist activists criticize this individualist sensibility and emphasize the need for broad, class-based solidarity and collective organizing for effective social change.
2. 2. Legal and political reform: Liberal feminists tend to focus on using existing power systems, such as the courts and government, to secure rights and make progress in women’s lives. Historically, women have fought for equal access in public institutions and the workplace, and representation in top industries is a mark of progress.
3. 3. Pragmatism: Many liberal feminists are pragmatic in their approach to reform. They look for political battles that seem winnable and gains they can make within the current political and economic social structures.

Feminism is an intersectional movement with a focus on issues that touch every part of our lives, including reproductive rights, workplace culture, and caregiving. Gain access to exclusive videos on feminism with the MasterClass Annual Membership and get a crash course from leaders Gloria Steinem, Amanda Nguyen, Tina Tchen, and adrienne maree brown.