Equal Rights Amendment

Definition

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that aims to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. The amendment's primary goal is to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in terms of divorce, property, employment, and other areas. The ERA reflects the broader movements for women's rights and gender equality, especially during the late 20th century, connecting to the themes of domestic policies like New Federalism and economic challenges faced in that era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ERA was first introduced to Congress in 1923 but gained significant traction during the women's rights movement in the 1970s.
2. The amendment 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. Although the ERA was passed by Congress in 1972, it fell short of ratification by the required number of states before the deadline set by Congress.
4. The debate over the ERA highlighted various societal issues related to women's roles, labor rights, and economic challenges during its push for ratification.
5. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the ERA as advocates continue to push for its ratification, citing ongoing gender inequality in various aspects of society.

Review Questions

• How did the Equal Rights Amendment reflect broader societal changes and attitudes towards gender equality during the 1970s?
  • The Equal Rights Amendment reflected significant societal changes in the 1970s as it emerged alongside the Women's Liberation Movement, which sought to address systemic inequalities faced by women. As more women entered the workforce and demanded equal treatment under the law, the ERA became a focal point for advocates pushing for gender equality. This period saw increased awareness of issues such as workplace discrimination and reproductive rights, making the ERA not just a legal proposal but a symbol of a transformative social movement.
• Evaluate the impact of domestic policies like New Federalism on discussions surrounding the Equal Rights Amendment during its ratification process.
  • Domestic policies such as New Federalism, which emphasized a reduction in federal power and greater state autonomy, significantly influenced discussions surrounding the Equal Rights Amendment. Advocates argued that while the federal government could set broad policies supporting equality, individual states had varying laws affecting women's rights. This discrepancy raised concerns about whether passing the ERA would ensure uniformity in legal protections across states or if it would further complicate gender equality efforts within a decentralized system. The interaction between state-level policies and federal initiatives became a crucial aspect of the debate.
• Analyze how economic challenges faced during the late 20th century shaped public opinion about the Equal Rights Amendment and women's rights.
  • Economic challenges during the late 20th century played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion regarding the Equal Rights Amendment and women's rights. As inflation and economic instability affected households, many began to recognize that women’s participation in the workforce was not just a matter of equality but also essential for family financial stability. This shift led to increased support for measures like the ERA, as more individuals understood that gender discrimination hindered economic progress for families and society at large. Additionally, economic arguments were often used by both supporters and opponents of the amendment to frame their perspectives on women’s roles in society.

Related terms

Title IX:

A federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits gender discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Women's Liberation Movement: A social movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women in various spheres of life, including employment, education, and reproductive rights.

Feminism: A broad term encompassing various movements advocating for women's rights and equality, focusing on challenging systemic inequalities based on gender.