Final answer:
Third-wave feminism is a movement that arose in the early 1990s, advocating for inclusivity and the right of women to define feminism and gender justice for themselves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Third-wave feminism, as defined by Naomi Wolf and Rebecca Walker, signifies a movement that developed in the early 1990s, intending to move beyond the limitations of earlier feminist waves. This form of feminism emphasizes the necessity of inclusivity, acknowledging and addressing the diversity of experiences among women across race, ethnicity, and social class. While the first wave focused on securing the right to vote and the second wave sought economic and legal equality, third-wave feminism argues for the right of women to define for themselves what feminism and gender justice mean. It critically looks at embedded cultural patriarchy and strives to challenge and rethink patriarchal norms. Moreover, third-wave feminism supports a more fluid conception of gender, endorses sex positivity, and is often associated with broader movements such as Critical Race Theory, addressing how intersecting identities impact experiences of oppression. It challenges cultural patriarchy, supports a fluid gender concept, and endorses sex positivity, engaging with debates on race and gender equality through a lens that includes intersecting identities.
In the current landscape, these principles contribute to debates around race and gender equality by promoting a more holistic and nuanced approach that considers the various ways different groups of women are impacted by societal structures. By emphasizing personal agency and the validity of various pathways to liberation, third-wave feminists have broadened the conversation to include voices and experiences that were previously marginalized or overlooked in feminist discourse.