SUFFRAGISM Meaning and
Definition
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Suffragism refers to a social, political, and ideological movement advocating for the extension of voting rights and access to political participation to all members of society, regardless of their gender or any other discriminating factors. The term is derived from the word suffrage, which means the right to vote in public elections, and "-ism," which denotes a belief, doctrine, or system.
Suffragism gained traction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as women across the globe intensified their struggle to secure equal representation and political agency. This movement sought to challenge and dismantle the prevailing societal norms that relegated women to domestic roles and deprived them of participating in the democratic process. By advocating for suffrage and equal political rights, suffragists aimed to redefine social hierarchies, foster gender equality, and promote women's independence and empowerment.
Suffragism was marked by diverse strategies and tactics, including peaceful protests, civil disobedience, legal challenges, lobbying, and public awareness campaigns. These efforts sought to raise public consciousness regarding gender-based inequality and push lawmakers to enact legislation acknowledging women's suffrage. The suffragist movement achieved significant milestones globally, resulting in landmark victories such as the ratification of the 19th Amendment in the United States in 1920, granting women nationwide suffrage.
Overall, suffragism remains a crucial part of the historical struggle for gender equality, representing a milestone in the inclusion of women in political processes and affirming the fundamental principle of democracy: equal representation for all citizens.
Etymology of SUFFRAGISM
The word "suffragism" is derived from the noun "suffrage", which originates from the Latin word "suffragium". "Suffragium" referred to the support, vote, or right to vote in ancient Rome. It comes from the verb "suffragari", which means "to support or vote for".
The suffix "-ism" is a common suffix used to form nouns denoting a particular ideology, system, or movement. In the context of "suffragism", it indicates a movement or advocacy for suffrage, particularly in relation to women's voting rights. The term "suffragism" specifically refers to the advocacy for suffrage, especially during the women's suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
