A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What does fourth-wave feminism primarily focus on?

1. Civil rights for women

2. Access to education

3. Equal pay for women

4. Legal reforms pertaining to gender

The correct answer is: Equal pay for women

Fourth-wave feminism is primarily characterized by its focus on issues of sexual harassment, body positivity, and the embracing of intersectionality, which emphasizes that women's experiences and rights cannot be understood in isolation from other identities such as race, class, and sexuality. While equal pay is an important aspect of gender equality that's been championed in earlier waves of feminism, fourth-wave feminism expands beyond just economic equality to encompass broader social issues, including the impact of social media in activism. The other options, while significant in the broader context of women's rights, do not encapsulate the primary thematic focus of fourth-wave feminism. Civil rights for women and access to education are fundamental issues that have been addressed by previous waves, while legal reforms are often tactical strategies within feminist movements. In contrast, the fourth wave uniquely engages with contemporary societal challenges and utilizes digital platforms to promote its message of holistic equality and justice for all women, making it distinctively relevant in today's discourse.