Over the last several decades, business and entrepreneurship have significantly transformed, with women breaking barriers and making their mark in various industries. In the last 20 years, women-owned firms have increased by 114%, with over 800 new businesses starting daily in the United States (INC, 2018). It seems the effects of the second wave of feminism, which Sellnow (2017) described as a focus on the goals of equal rights and opportunities for women and men, continue to influence the business landscape. Along with this massive increase in women entrepreneurs, several women's business groups have also emerged and are popular in our culture.
Pop culture is increasingly portraying the significance of businesswomen, especially on social media. One quick search on LinkedIn and Facebook pulls up groups focusing on drawing in women in business. Having been a part of many of these women’s business groups and a creator of one in the past, my experience is that they exhibit a predominant cultural-feminist perspective, which holds feminine qualities as good and seeks to promote as valuable the socialized skills, activities, behaviors, and viewpoints of women (Sellnow, 2017).
With the emergence of the internet, now more than ever, women are making their mark in business, not only with brick-and-mortar businesses but with online ventures as well. One such successful online business is the "Stay at Home Chef," where a mother (Rachel Farnsworth) who stayed home with her children turned her passion for cooking and baking into an online success. This is an inspiring example of the creativity of a mother who wanted to raise her children full-time and, at the same time, build a successful business.
Perhaps this surge in women entrepreneurs is due to the opportunities created by the internet or a desire to stay at home with children. Or perhaps women are tired of corporate demands and found this as a means to bypass the glass ceiling that Sellnow (2017) described, where women, though qualified, are not promoted as often as men.
While there are pros and cons, the feminist movement for women in business has resulted in women having more freedom to pursue business ventures that may not have been possible in the past. They can still be stay-at-home mothers, build a business if they choose, and, ultimately, strive to have it all.
Which wave of feminism do you believe was the most beneficial for women in the business world?
I too have noticed an upsurge in women owned businesses- which I think is great. I think the most beneficial upshot (as a consumer) is that many of these products cater to the female customer and bear a natural relativity to our lives.
ReplyDeleteI have also noticed the "woman owned" label on several product lines sold at Walmart. I always wonder if these seals actually move more products and whom they are attempting to benefit: the business, the consumer, or the corporation. I guess it would be worth while to do a deeper dive and find out what this type of labelling really means, who it is trying to target, and if, indeed, it helps move more product. Do consumers really prefer a "woman owned" product over another popular equivalent?
To answer your question, I feel that all the waves of feminism have been vital, however, I love the stories of those gritty suffragettes from the first wave. They worked so hard to draw attention to injustice and to change the way the world views women and their capabilities. I admire their determination and commitment and feel so grateful for the battle they fought and endured.
Hey Kim! Great post! You did a really good job of relating it to Module 4 topics as well. I believe the most beneficial wave of feminism for women in the business world had to be the second wave of feminism during the 1960s through 1980s. This wave addressed a broader range of issues, including workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and gender roles. It contributed to changes in workplace policies and attitudes but might not have brought significant transformation to women's roles in leadership positions. Thanks for sharing!
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