Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

Definition

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. Its primary goal is to eliminate discrimination based on gender and ensure that both men and women have equal rights under the law. The ERA reflects the principles of liberal feminism, advocating for legal equality and seeking to dismantle barriers that have historically disadvantaged women in various aspects of life, including employment, education, and family law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ERA was first introduced to Congress in 1923 but was not passed until 1972, when it received widespread support.
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. Despite its initial passage, the ERA has faced significant opposition and has not yet been ratified by the required number of states.
4. The deadline for states to ratify the ERA was originally set for 1982, but efforts continue to push for its adoption into the Constitution.
5. The ERA is often viewed as a crucial step toward achieving comprehensive gender equality in American society, symbolizing a commitment to fighting discrimination.

Review Questions

• How does the Equal Rights Amendment align with the goals of liberal feminism?
  • The Equal Rights Amendment aligns with the goals of liberal feminism by advocating for legal equality between genders. Liberal feminists believe that achieving equality requires reforms within existing legal frameworks, which the ERA directly addresses by aiming to eliminate gender discrimination under the law. The amendment seeks to ensure that both men and women are afforded the same rights and protections, reinforcing the liberal feminist pursuit of social justice through legislative change.
• Discuss the historical context surrounding the introduction and eventual passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972.
  • The Equal Rights Amendment was introduced in 1923 amid growing movements for women's suffrage and rights. By 1972, it gained significant momentum due to the women’s liberation movement, which highlighted issues of gender inequality and discrimination. The societal changes during the 1960s and 70s fostered a more favorable environment for women's rights legislation, leading to its passage in Congress. However, despite initial support, the amendment faced strong opposition from various groups who feared it would disrupt traditional family roles and women's protections.
• Evaluate the ongoing relevance of the Equal Rights Amendment in contemporary discussions about gender equality and discrimination.
  • The ongoing relevance of the Equal Rights Amendment in discussions about gender equality stems from persistent issues such as wage gaps, sexual harassment, and discrimination in various sectors. Advocates argue that incorporating the ERA into the Constitution would provide a stronger legal foundation for challenging these inequities. The amendment symbolizes a broader commitment to ensuring that gender does not determine one's rights or opportunities. The continued debate around its ratification reflects societal tensions regarding women's roles and rights in modern America, illustrating that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain.

Related terms

Liberal Feminism:

A branch of feminism that seeks to achieve gender equality through legal reforms and political change within the existing social structures.

Gender Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on an individual's gender, often resulting in unequal opportunities in employment, education, and other areas.

Women’s Liberation Movement: A social and political movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for women's rights and equality across various spheres of life.