The History of Feminism The definition of feminism is very elusive. Perhaps because of its ever-evolving historical meaning, it is uncertain whether there is any coherence in the term feminism or whether there is a definition that will measure up to the movement's variety of adherents and ideas. In the book “No Turning Back,” author Estelle Freedman provides an accurate four-part definition of this very active movement: “Feminism is the belief that women and men are inherently equal parts. Because most societies privilege men as a group, social movements are necessary to achieve equality between women and men, with the understanding that gender always intersects with other social hierarchies” (Freedman 7). Many historians believe that the roots of feminism began in ancient Greece. with Sappho or during the Middle Ages. Certainly, however, the forefathers of the modern women's movement were Jane Austen, Olympes de Gouge and Mary Wollstonecraft; all of these women championed the full potential of the female gender. (Rampton)Mary Wollstonecraft published one of the seminal works for modern feminism in 1792. “A Vindication of the Rights of Women” argued that all women should receive an equal education and enable them to become independent and whole people. She said the current education system limits women's potential to contribute to improving society and well-being with their family and home. Wollstonecraft's book was one of the first to clearly outline the need for change and helped early feminists immensely (Conger). Despite all the events of the 18th century, the feminist movement did not transform into an identifiable, self-conscious movement until the late 19th century (Rampton). Currently, there are three "waves" of feminism... .middle of paper...determination, self-love and confidence have become equally important around the world. For women, this means the choice to marry or divorce, the lack of a sexual partner, or simply simple pleasures. “All over the world, women are saying no to unwanted sex, violence and degrading cultural images; all over the world, women are creating alternative visions of beauty, power, and justice” (Freedman 345, 346). This revolutionThe history of feminismWorks CitedConger, Cristen. How feminism works. February 17, 2009. December 17, 2013. Freedman, Estelle B. There's No Going Back: The History of Feminism and the Future of Women. New York: The Ballatine Publishing Group, 2002.Rampton, Martha. The three waves of feminism. ndnd 2008. 18 December 2013 .