Thrid Wave Feminism

The characteristics of third wave feminism vary from the first and second wave but also have some similarities involved. One of the main characteristics that this wave represents is individualism. It allows women to represent themselves through writing, thinking, and activism. Most of the issues third wave activists tend to focus on is sexuality and identity. They create consciousness-raising groups to promote issues and create power to society.
Individuality, to third wave feminists, means that whatever matters to you is most important. That is, the subjects and issues you believe in should be your main focus. In regards to power, if you are considered in the lower class of society than your main focus is not on individualism and power or what sexuality and power really mean because of where they stand with society. On the other hand, wealthy activists focused their issues on the characteristics of sexuality and intersectionality. What this meant was that the focus was on inclusion and diversity of women, corporeality (the experience of the body), and reclaiming what they had lost in the past. Another controversial characteristic was the focus of women in the third wave representing “girly” culture. This meant that women would walk around wearing lipstick and high heels but first and second wave feminists saw this as negative. Third wave feminists wanted to recognize themselves as part of a girlie culture because they wanted society to know that there is nothing wrong with being a woman. In addition to the girlie culture of third wavers, there was the importance of the rejection of victim hood. Third wave feminists would talk about women as being survivors instead of victims. Overall these were the main characteristics of third wave feminism and how they approached and embraced their power.

Gender Socialization

Gender socialization is the idea of teaching the right techniques to boys or girls. Boys are taught a different ways than girls, but is this how it should be? Growing up as a girl I played a lot of sports so I liked to hang out with the boys because the girls loved to do “girly” things. This meant that I was treated differently because I was a sporty girl who hung out with the guys, but I considered myself a girly girl. My mother also dressed me up in dresses and skirts. My mother also believed in making us do girly things but made sure to keep us in the sports scene. I have also been influenced my brother and dad to understand masculinity. My brother has always played sports in middle school and all through of high school. My brother also didn’t wear dresses or skirts like I did, he wore ‘masculine’ clothes. My father also raised my brother to be more masculine then feminine. Today, some powerful influences have shaped my conception of masculinity and femininity.
For example, recently Michele Obama became the first lady. She is a classy, well-dressed woman who is knowledgeable and able to raise her children while dealing with other issues. I also believe that women in professional sports shape femininity, like Jennie Finch the pitcher of the USA women’s softball team. She is a beautiful, married woman and also one of the best pitcher’s in softball. There will continue to be influences in today’s society that will shape different ideas of femininity and masculinity.