Final answer:
Joan Baez was the influential female folk musician who played a significant role in leading counterculture thought during the 60s and 70s. She was a prominent figure in the antiwar and civil rights movements, using her music to promote peace and justice. Baez's activism represented the broader feminist push for gender equality during a time of great societal change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The female folk musician who notably helped lead counterculture thought during the 60s and 70s was Joan Baez. Baez was a prominent figure in the antiwar movement and used her music to convey powerful messages of peace and justice. She was an influential part of both the music world and the larger social movements of the time, including civil rights and feminism. Her activism was inspirational in a society where women were often marginalized, even within activist circles, and her efforts contributed to the larger efforts to bring about change in the United States.
Throughout the 60s and 70s, the United States went through significant upheaval, with many Americans, including women, pushing against the established norms. Feminists like Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem were advocating for gender equality, urging women to seek opportunities beyond traditional roles. Movements such as the New York Radical Women's protest at the Miss America Pageant highlighted the need to address gender roles and stereotypes that were entrenched in society.
Furthermore, the feminist movement was influenced by musicians who not only expressed opposition to the Vietnam War but also sparked dialogue regarding societal norms. Despite being sidelined by some male-dominated leadership within activist communities, women like Joan Baez affirmed that their voices and contributions were vital to the cause for equality, both socially and in the music industry.