Equal Rights Amendment

Definition

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. The ERA aims to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in terms of divorce, property, employment, and other matters, reflecting the broader cultural movements advocating for gender equality and women's rights during the 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1923 but gained significant momentum during the 1960s and 1970s as part of the women's rights movement.
2. The language of the ERA states: 'Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.'
3. The amendment was passed by Congress in 1972 but fell short of ratification by the required number of states before the deadline.
4. Supporters of the ERA argue that it would solidify legal protections against gender discrimination, while opponents fear it could undermine traditional family structures and lead to unintended consequences.
5. Despite its failure to be fully ratified, the ERA has inspired ongoing discussions about gender equality and women's rights in contemporary society.

Review Questions

• How did cultural movements in the 1960s and 1970s influence the support for the Equal Rights Amendment?
  • Cultural movements such as the Women's Liberation Movement played a crucial role in garnering support for the Equal Rights Amendment. These movements highlighted systemic gender inequalities and pushed for legislative changes to address issues like employment discrimination and reproductive rights. The growing activism among women during this time created a societal push towards achieving legal equality, making the ERA a focal point in the fight for women's rights.
• Evaluate the arguments for and against the Equal Rights Amendment during its campaign for ratification.
  • Supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment argued that it would ensure equal legal protections for women, eliminating gender-based discrimination across various aspects of life, including work and family law. Conversely, opponents expressed concerns that ratifying the ERA could dismantle traditional family structures and impact laws related to child custody and alimony. The debate was marked by passionate arguments reflecting differing societal values regarding gender roles.
• Discuss the lasting impact of the Equal Rights Amendment campaign on contemporary gender equality movements.
  • The campaign for the Equal Rights Amendment has had a significant influence on contemporary gender equality movements by keeping issues of sex discrimination at the forefront of public discourse. Although the ERA was not ratified, it raised awareness about ongoing inequalities and inspired future generations to continue advocating for women's rights. Modern movements draw upon the legacy of the ERA to argue for comprehensive legal protections against gender discrimination in various sectors, reinforcing the idea that equality should be enshrined in law.

Related terms

Women's Liberation Movement: A social movement in the late 20th century that sought to achieve equal rights for women in various aspects of society, including politics, work, and personal life.

Second Wave Feminism: A period of feminist activism from the 1960s to the 1980s that focused on issues such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and legal inequalities.

Title IX: A federal law passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program receiving federal funding.