A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What societal issue does second-wave feminism address?

1. Economic inequality

2. Social consciousness and change

3. Legal rights and abolition of discrimination

4. Cultural representation

The correct answer is: Social consciousness and change

Second-wave feminism primarily focuses on social consciousness and change, highlighting the importance of awareness around issues affecting women in society, including gender roles, reproductive rights, and sexuality. This movement, which gained momentum in the 1960s and continued through the 1980s, sought to challenge societal norms and raise awareness of women's experiences within a patriarchal structure. This focus on social consciousness prompted discussions and actions that led to significant cultural shifts, aiming for broader societal change such as increased visibility of women's issues, access to education, and workplace rights. While the other options represent important areas addressed by feminism, they each relate more specifically to certain aspects or achievements within the broader movement. Economic inequality is indeed a concern, but it is more closely associated with second-wave feminism's later focus on issues in the workforce. Legal rights and the abolition of discrimination became more foregrounded in the first wave, although they were certainly expanded upon. Cultural representation became a significant focus, especially in the context of intersectionality, but the essence of second-wave feminism centered primarily on fostering an awareness of social conditions and promoting comprehensive societal change.