Final answer:
The transition from second-wave to third-wave feminism is characterized by a shift from focusing on legal and economic equality to embracing cultural diversity and individuality in the women's movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transition from second-wave to third-wave feminism marks a shift in the focus and strategies of the women's rights movement. While second-wave feminism primarily emphasized legal and economic equality, third-wave feminism focuses on a broader range of issues including cultural aspects, and diversity in the feminist movement itself.
Second-wave feminism, largely rooted in the 1960s and 70s, advocated for eliminating legal and social discrimination against women. This period saw significant milestones such as the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act that banned workplace discrimination. The movement sought to address social norms and legal boundaries that were limiting women's role in society.
In contrast, third-wave feminism emerged in the 1990s, with a focus on individuality and diversity. It sought to redefine what gender justice and feminism mean, often reflecting on intersectionality and questioning a single feminist ideal. Third-wave feminists underscored the importance of allowing women to define liberation for themselves, respecting a variety of identities and experiences.
Between second and third-wave feminism, a key difference lies in the latter's emphasis on breaking past the boundaries of race, class, and sexuality that were less addressed by the former. Issues like reproductive rights, gender representation, and sex positivity became central themes of the third-wave.