In contrast to the modern definition of Liberal Feminism, it is understandably difficult to associate it with the traditionally held understanding of women’s suffrage movement of the early Twentieth century. The goals that were introduced at that time were arguably less prodigious than those of modern day feminists. However, those goals were the beginning of a concept of equality under the law that persists as the basis for the modern day Liberal Feminist Movement. Many feminists at that time were hoping merely to add their voice to the democratic process without the need to be married and vote vicariously through their husbands. Yet, as that voice gained courage and momentum feminists sought, not only influence the government, but to be considered equals under its jurisdiction.

Roots of the Suffrage Movement

After the 15th Amendment gave the right to vote in the US regardless of race, there were many within the African American community who remained unsupportive of its ratification because of its exclusion of women. While the males within the community could not exert their influence and participate in government procedures, the women were not provided the same opportunity.

The intention to organize and demand equality was formalized during the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848. While some questioned its true efficacy toward the Women’s Movement, it was an early and formal step towards giving women the same voting rights as their male counterparts. During this convention, based on the Declaration of Independence, a document entitled the “Declaration of Sentiments” was drafted and signed by many in attendance. This declaration outlined the points of contention underlying the intentions behind Women’s Suffrage.

While some of these Sentiments were regarding overall treatment of women and the social stigma’s that commonly held them in abeyance, the majority of the complaints were in regards to the inability of women to participate within a government over which they had no consent. In this regard, specifically, the Suffrage Movement is the very basis for the modern Liberal Feminist Movement.

Granting Suffrage Did Not Grant Equality

There were many traditional values in place at the time which denied women many rights which would put them on the same level with men. Oddly, even among women, none considered quite as controversial as the right to participate in their own government through voting. Yet, in spite of the momentum gained after suffrage was granted, there would still be a long road ahead in providing women these additional entitlements.

The question remains as to which inequalities still persist throughout the legal system. Many of these questionable legal inequalities take into account the evolving concept of a woman’s person verses a man’s and the choices that any person should be permitted to make for their own sake. These questions exist because some of the legal parameters and definitions remain unresolved as to women’s status within the government.

Uniting the Past and the Present

What choices a woman can make is still considered a “right” to be “granted”. In many ways, this concept in and of itself is an affront to the entire concept of feminism. It is these legal ramifications and their lack of determined resolution which tie the Suffrage movement of the last century to the modern Feminist movements.

Within both movements there is the desire to outline and define a woman’s place within a society as equal to a male’s. Both initiatives require the government to be held accountable for the inherent inequalities which present themselves due to inadequate legislative detail.

The Future of Feminism

At its core, Feminism remains grounded in the concept of choice. Whether it is a choice in her representation in government or choices over her own person, education and career. Feminism, as a movement, seeks to give each individual the choice in how the direct their affairs, how they live their life and the ability to pursue happiness. It requires the government to grant equal rights as well as equal responsibility, and guarantee it in writing, under the law.

There were many unforeseen directions that this pursuit has taken society; it will doubtlessly lend itself to continued evolution as societal norms change and grow. Yet, this basic right to choose one’s own destiny remains at the heart of all equality issues and will continue to be the foundation of Feminism inherited by the foremothers of the Suffrage movement.