My mother was a rather vocal feminist back in the 60s and 70s, and it was a significant topic when I was growing up - although it was in a far less "politically correct" atmosphere than what would later come to pass. But during that period, Women's Lib (the more popular term at the time), the Civil Rights movement, and the Anti-War movement were all, more or less, on the same side, ideologically and politically. It wasn't until later that they all started splintering and breaking up into sub-groups and factions.
In my mom's time (a period I would later find out was called "second wave feminism"), the goals of feminism seemed more basic, logical, and fair. It was also simpler to deal with. "Equal pay for equal work" seemed clear enough, and it was fair. It seemed reasonable that women should be able to become doctors, lawyers, or other previously male-dominated professions. The idea was that they didn't do it out of selfishness or ego, but out of a social consciousness and a sincere desire to enhance and improve society. The women just wanted to help out and make society a better place - or at least that's how it was often presented.
But that was during the 70s, back when people were actually sincere about having a social consciousness. By the 80s, the scent of greed, capitalism, consumerism, etc. started to pervade all of the social justice movements, which later become compromised and tainted as a result. They joined the rat race, and now they're wondering why things are going sour.
