The thesis examines the role of female photographers in Paris during the period of intense feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s, known as the second wave of feminism. While the first wave of feminism focused on obtaining the right to vote, the feminists of the second wave addressed broader social issues such as sexuality, family life, working conditions, and reproductive rights. In France, these changes were driven by women from progressive political circles who advocated for a materialist critique aimed at transforming legislation, policies, and institutions. The thesis highlights how, during this period, female photographers contributed to the feminist movement not only by documenting events but also by actively participating in reshaping social perceptions of women. Despite the fact that the role of photography in visualizing social movements has been under-researched, the appropriation of photography by women during this period of mass use proved to be crucial for disseminating feminist ideas. The aim of the thesis is to shed light on the contribution of female photographers to this movement and to show how their work influenced social change.
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