From Suffrage To Social Justice: Comparing Feminist Waves And Legal Transformations
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Prateek Singh, Manav Rachna University, Faridabad
ABSTRACT
From the early struggle for women's suffrage to the current quest for social justice, this research paper offers a thorough analysis of the historical and contemporary development of feminist groups. The study methodically examines the ways in which important legislative changes have impacted and been impacted by the first, second, and third waves of feminism. Women's legal status and involvement in public life were made possible by the first wave's emphasis on suffrage and property rights, which resulted in historic legislative developments including the ability to vote and own property. In order to rethink women's roles in society and the law, the second wave of feminists broadened their agenda to include problems of reproductive autonomy and employment equality. This led to important legal reforms including the Equal Pay Act and the legalisation of abortion. The third wave introduced the concept of intersectionality, highlighting the importance for legal frameworks to account for the different experiences of women affected by race, class, sexuality, and other identities. The study illustrates the dynamic interaction between feminist activism and legal reform by contrasting the successes and difficulties of both waves. It shows how feminist groups have consistently contested long-standing legal concepts and pushed for more inclusive, equitable laws.The evolution of feminist legal theory, which opposes conventional legal frameworks and promotes gender- sensitive jurisprudence, is also examined in the paper. The article ends by considering the lasting impact of feminist legal advocacy and prospective approaches, such as the increasing significance of intersectional and global viewpoints in creating more inclusive and just legal systems.
Keywords: Feminist groups, legal status, suffrage, social justice, intersectionality, gender equality, feminist legal theory.
