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Leilany K. Pérez Gierbolini

Professor: Joyce De Inglés

INGL 3103-022

7 October 2024

Feminism Since Ancient Rome

“As in many cultures, women’s value in ancient Rome was defined almost solely

in relation to their fathers and husbands” (McGee). Feminism is a belief in the political,

economic and cultural equality of women. In ancient Rome woman were viewed as less

to man. According to Barry Strauss, Ancient Rome was a macho society, often

misogynistic, where women did not enjoy equal citizen rights. In ancient Rome woman

were viewed as belonging to men, but people though they did not fight for their rights.

In feminism there were four waves that defined this movement, but first there were

women who established the movement of feminism.

With this in mind, the women in Rome were only valued by the men who they

belonged to and not by their intellectual beings. Many thought that they never defended

their rights. According to Laura Brunell and Elinor Burkett, the first-time feminism was

portrayed was in ancient Rome during the 3rd century BCE when a group of women of

all ages barricaded the Forum in attempt to force consul Marcus Porcius to undo the

laws that limited women’s use of expensive goods. Brunell and Burkett also stated,

another important step of feminism was when French author called Olympe de Gouges

wrote a declaration of the rights of women and females in 1791. As a response to Jean-

Jacques Rousseau’s declarations of the rights of men and of the citizen, that did not

address the rights of women. Jumping forward, the first women’s rights convection was
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held in July 1848 in the small town of Seneca Falls, New York. This convection was

mainly held by Elizabeth Staton, Lucretia Mott, Mary Ann McClintock and Jane Hunt.

In this convection Staton used the Declaration of Independence as her guide to proclaim

that “all men and woman had been created equal”, she used 11 resolutions, including the

most important one that demanded the right to vote. Yet another woman that stood up

for her beliefs called Christine de Pizan the first feminist philosopher in the late 14th and

early 15th century. She wrote books about books written by men that talked about

women’s sins and weaknesses and even questioned if women were even human beings

or more similar to animals.

Therefore, after the establishment of feminism the waves of feminism arrived,

becoming important steps for feminism today. The first wave of feminism established

the movement with mass demonstrations and the publishing of newspapers. Women

were only allowed to go to universities in the early 20th century, having a career and

families. They started organizing again after the end of the second war allowing them

equal political rights in most European countries. By this time, they were also allowed

to have full time jobs and to divorce their husbands. Also, it included debates and the

establishment of the feminist organizations. The second wave in western Europe and the

USA in the 1970s, was more focused of making a name for all the women with

achievements. In this wave women’s studies became a discipline taught in universities

and books began to be published about women’s achievements in all aspects. On the

other hand, the third wave was focused on the American movements in the 1990s. Also,

referred as the “post-feminism” by the conservative media and politicians. This wave in

particular uses social media and pop culture to promote ideas, movements and activities.

The fourth wave of feminism that till this day is still in vigor, raises concern

about the woman’s security in society. According to Brunell, this wave started around
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the year of 2012 with a center of attention on sexual harassment, body shaming, and

rape culture. The use of social media is the key to address these concerns

internationally. In this wave the woman’s rights movements were popularized by using

social media. Also, Brunell mentioned that in this wave manifestations became more

popular and impactful. An example to this, is the Woman’s March that it is not only

realized in one part of the world. This wave shows that woman all across the world are

united for one cause, that it is not only having equal rights, but a secure life in society.

Feminism is a movement that looks for woman’s rights to be equal in every

aspect on society. It does not mean woman’s rights are special it just looks for equality.

There were three waves that defined this movement and still another wave that is

fighting for the woman’s rights till this day. Each one of these waves had a purpose for

the woman’s right till the present. Not forgetting about the women in Rome or the first

feminism philosopher or even the first convection of feminism held. They were the ones

that build that formation for women of other centuries to have what is called feminism

and an idea of what injustice was for them. Till this day feminism is not yet done with

their vision, that is why the fourth wave is still in vigor.

Work Cited:

• McGee, Suzanne. “What Role Did Women Play in Ancient Rome?” History.Com,

A&E Television Networks, 8 June 2023, www.history.com/news/women-

ancient-rome.

• Strauss, Barry. “Women’s History in Ancient Rome: Their Forgotten

Influence.” Time, Time, 5 Mar. 2019, time.com/5542893/women-

ancient-rome/.

• Brunell, Laura, and Elinor Burkett. “Feminism.” Encyclopædia

Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, inc., 17 Sept. 2024,

www.britannica.com/topic/feminism.

• “Feminism and Women’s Rights Movements - Gender Matters -

Www.Coe.Int.” Gender Matters, COE, 2 Dec. 2022,

www.coe.int/en/web/gender-matters/feminism-and-women-s-rights-

movements.