Final answer:
The second transitional period experienced by men and women refers to significant life stages, including the transition into middle adulthood or pivotal cultural moments, such as the 1920s for women's changing roles or the rise of awareness in gender identity transitions since the late 1980s.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second transitional period experienced by men and women can refer to various life stages depending on the context. In the life course, it often implies the transition into middle adulthood, which is characterized by a reevaluation of life goals and challenges particularly related to family and career. Historically, the term could refer to pivotal moments such as those experienced during the 1920s when women began to challenge traditional societal standards and push for a modern cultural identity, as reflected in the emergence of the double standard between men and women. Additionally, in gender studies, it could denote the period where an individual transitions their gender identity, a concept that has gained more attention and support from the late 20th century onwards.