is a central term in much contemporary feminist scholarship and activism; it is particularly prevalent in the third wave. Intersectional scholarship and activism recognizes the multiple and intersecting axes of power that form our identities and around which instances of oppression and resistance are enacted. This means that in addition to attending to issues of gender/sex/sexuality, third-wave intersectional scholars and activists also address questions of race, class, nationality, and (dis)ability, among others. In turn, some third-wave intersectional scholars and activists argue that feminists and feminisms must move beyond womens issues and focus on social justice issues broadly construed. For example, Laboton and Martin (2004), editors of , argue intersectionality suggests those issues that have traditionally been associated with the feminist movementreproductive rights, domestic violence, date rape, and equal pay for equal workare not the only issues that should define it (p. xxxiv). While Laboton and Martin are not suggesting that these traditional second-wave issues no longer matter, they argue: We should not become so distracted by the core issues that we neglect other social justice concerns The borders of feminism need to be split open, both so that we are freed from ideological rigidity and so that other identity claims of race, sexuality, class, nationality, and geography can move beyond being simply tolerated or included. (p. xxxiv) A similar sentiment is articulated by Lisa Jervis, cofounding editor of the third-wave feminist magazine : Gender isnt always the primary mode of analysis. . . . Anti-poverty work, international human-rights work, and labor are all issues that are feminist issues, but they arent all about women (Rowe-Finkbiner, 2004, p. 34). Reflect on the arguments put forth by intersectional feminists. Do you agree or disagree with what they advocate? Specifically, consider the following questions in your journal prompt: References Hayden, S., & OBrien Hallstein, D. L. (2009). Placing sex/gender at the forefront: Feminism, intersectionality, and communication studies. In K. Chavez & C. Griffen (Eds.), New York: SUNY. Labaton, V., & Martin, D. L. (Eds.) (2004). New York: Anchor Books. Rowe-Finkbiner, K., (2004). . Emeryville, CA: Seal Press.
