Here's why it's complicated:
* Multiple Movements: This era saw the rise and fall of numerous movements, including:
* Postmodernism: A reaction against modernism, characterized by fragmentation, self-reflexivity, and a questioning of grand narratives.
* Magical Realism: Blending realism with fantastical elements, often drawing on Latin American traditions.
* Feminist Literature: Focusing on female experiences, perspectives, and issues.
* Postcolonial Literature: Examining the impact of colonialism and its aftermath.
* Contemporary Literature: A broad term encompassing diverse styles and concerns, often reflecting the complexities of the 21st century.
* Overlapping Influences: Many of these movements overlapped and influenced each other, making it difficult to draw clear boundaries.
* Continual Evolution: Literary trends continue to evolve, with new movements emerging and existing ones being redefined.
Instead of a single name, it's more accurate to discuss the major literary movements and trends of this period:
* Postmodernism: A dominant influence, but not the only force.
* The rise of diverse voices: Increased representation of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ writers.
* Experimentation with form and style: Pushing the boundaries of traditional genres and narrative structures.
* Engagement with social and political issues: Reflecting the anxieties, complexities, and challenges of the modern world.
It's also important to remember that literary movements are not neatly defined categories. There are always writers who defy categorization or belong to multiple movements simultaneously.