Feminism is approached with various meanings. As noted by Salvadoran feminist activist Gloria Guzman, “It is a proposal for a change in power relations between people, men over women, and in power relations expressed in different spheres of life” (Shayne, 2007). Isabel Allende's House of the Spirits was heavily influenced by the three waves of feminism. Allende's goal throughout the novel was to decrease gender inequality between men and women. Through his female characters Clara, Blanca, and Alba, Allende showcases the gradual rise of women in Latin American society. It incorporates political and social aspects to emphasize women's empowerment throughout the novel. Clara, Blanca, and Alba each individually represent the three waves of feminism that gradually gave women the power to reduce the gender hierarchy present in their society. The first wave of feminism between 1848 and 1920 aimed to gain women the right to vote and the right to birth control. (Senft, 2001). In other parts of the world, only some countries allow women to take part in politics. For example, the closest country to Latin America is the United States of America, women were given the right to vote in 1920. However, during this period, many women in Latin America stayed at home to do housework and take care of your children. , who maintain the traditional role of women in a family. However, it is only since the 1960s that the effects of the feminist movement reach Latin America and women gain the right to vote (Shayne, 2007). The inability of first wave feminism to impact Latin America is reflected in Clara. It is assumed that having a politician in the family often results in a lot of discussions in politics and… amidst paper activism in Latin America. Blackwell's Sociological Encyclopedia. Retrieved May 20, 2011, from http://www.blackwellreference.com/public/tocnode?id=g9781405124331_yr2011_chunk_g978140512433112_ss1-38#citationGarcia-Johnson, R.R. (1994). The struggle for space: feminism and freedom in the “house of the spirits”. University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, USA Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/stable/30203383Second Wave Feminism. Wikipedia. Retrieved May 8, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-wave_feminism#1982/SparkNotes Editors. (2002). SparkNote on the House of Spirits. Retrieved May 3, 2011, from http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/houseofspirits/Goodman, Donna. (2009, March 13). The fight for women's equality in Latin America. Retrieved from http://dissidentvoice.org/2009/03/the-struggle-for-womens-equality-in-latin-america/