Early Feminism
Definition
Early feminism refers to the period when the first feminists began advocating for equal rights for women, particularly during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Analogy
Think of early feminism as the seedling stage in a plant's life cycle. Just like a seedling isn't yet fully grown but has all it needs to become a mature plant, early feminism wasn't as developed or widespread as modern feminism, but it laid down important roots that future growth would build upon.
Related terms
First-wave Feminism: The first phase of feminist activity, primarily focused on legal issues such as voting rights (suffrage). Early feminism can be seen as part of this wave.
Women's Rights Movement: An ongoing series of campaigns for reforms on issues such as reproductive rights, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, etc. This movement grew out from seeds planted by early feminists like Wollstonecraft.
Social Reform: Efforts made to improve societal conditions and achieve greater equality and justice. Early feminists were among many groups pushing for social reform during their time.
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