The Establishment and Development of Feminism in Portugal

Abstract

This article focuses on prerequisites for the establishment of feminism in Portugal, history of main Portuguese feminist organizations and basic conditions for their functioning. This research is based on the comparative analysis of socio-political environment in Portugal and in several other states (mainly located in Western Europe) in different periods of their history. Basing on the aforementioned analysis, the author comes to the conclusion that feminism in Portugal has generally been moderate and has passed three phases in its development. These phases are in line with three waves that are basically seen as the key milestones in the history of the feminist movement around the world. The first wave lasted from the middle of the 19th century until the 1930s and was characterized by the struggle of Portuguese women for such common rights as the right to work and electoral rights. At this stage Portuguese feminism developed in line with the traditional trend. The second wave in Portugal lasted from the 1960s until the 1990s. During this period scientists working created numerous books and articles, criticising the patriarchy and the problems of women. The discussion of reproductive rights of women, problems in the family and sexual sphere was also typical for this period. The feminist theory of the third wave was developing since the 1990s and continues to develop up to the present moment. It is based on the gender approach: women assert their rights to abortion and affordable contraception, combat against oppression from men and gender-based discrimination. At the same time, the feminism of the third wave is becoming more diverse and can be characterized as intersectional. The feminist movement in Portugal triggered deep social transformations. Most of the achievements of the feminist movement today cannot be put into question. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go to achieve a change in mentality of Portuguese society, to reduce female unemployment and gender inequality at work, to combat domestic violence.