First Wave Feminism

A groundbreaking feminist utopian novel published in 1915 that envisions an ideal society composed entirely of women, exploring fundamental questions about gender roles, social organization, and women's potential.

No feminist reading list is complete without this 1899 novella. This early proto-modernist story follows Edna Pontellier, a wealthy New Orleans housewife who begins to contemplate what life might offer beyond her narrow roles as wife and mother.

A groundbreaking 1898 feminist economics work that systematically analyzes the social roots of women's economic dependency and proposes theoretical foundations for women's economic independence. Praised as an important document comparable to Mill's 'The Subjection of Women'.

A classic coming-of-age novel that, through the growth journey of the four March sisters, showcases diverse life choices for 19th-century women, influencing generations of female readers' values and life pursuits.

A groundbreaking work in the history of feminist thought, one of the first to systematically advocate for women's rights and educational equality.

Katja von Garnier made this Golden Globe winner, about the women who risked their lives for the suffrage movement. It stars Hilary Swank, Anjelica Huston, and Vera Farmiga.

Released in 1940, this Howard Hawks rom-com still resonates with progressive themes today. It stars Rosalind Russell as Hildy, a star journalist who has her own ideas about what she wants for her life (traditional and non-) and isn't going to let her boss-slash-husband, played by Cary Grant, get in the way.