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. It was introduced in 1923 and seeks to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, property, employment, and other areas of law, highlighting ongoing debates about gender equality in American society.
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The ERA was first introduced by Alice Paul in 1923 as part of the broader women's rights movement.
Despite gaining widespread support in the 1970s, the ERA fell short of the necessary three-fourths state ratification needed by its 1982 deadline.
Opponents of the ERA argued that it could undermine traditional family structures and lead to women being drafted into the military.
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.'
Efforts to revive the ERA continue today, with several states ratifying it after the original deadline, sparking legal debates about its status.
Review Questions
How did the Equal Rights Amendment reflect the changing perceptions of gender roles in American society during the early to mid-20th century?
The Equal Rights Amendment emerged during a time when traditional gender roles were being challenged, especially with women gaining the right to vote in 1920. It represented a shift towards recognizing women as equal participants in all aspects of society, from work to family life. The ERA was a response to both societal changes and women's increasing demands for equality, highlighting the tensions between established norms and emerging feminist ideals.
Evaluate the impact that Betty Friedan and 'The Feminine Mystique' had on public support for the Equal Rights Amendment during the second wave feminist movement.
'The Feminine Mystique,' published in 1963, played a significant role in articulating women's dissatisfaction with their limited roles in society and sparked widespread discussion about gender equality. Betty Friedan's work energized the second wave feminist movement and helped mobilize support for initiatives like the Equal Rights Amendment. By highlighting issues such as workplace inequality and social expectations, Friedan contributed to a growing recognition of the necessity for legal reforms like those proposed by the ERA.
Analyze how the rise of the Religious Right and 'Family Values' movement in the 1980s affected efforts to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.
The rise of the Religious Right and 'Family Values' movement in the 1980s significantly impacted efforts to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment by framing it as a threat to traditional family structures. These groups argued that equal rights could lead to negative consequences for women, such as loss of special protections in labor laws or military conscription. Their mobilization resulted in increased opposition to the ERA at both state and national levels, contributing to its failure to achieve ratification despite earlier momentum.
Related terms
Feminism: A social and political movement advocating for women's rights and gender equality, encompassing various waves and perspectives throughout history.
Second Wave Feminism: A period of feminist activity from the 1960s to the 1980s focusing on issues such as workplace rights, reproductive rights, and legal equality, significantly influencing the push for the ERA.
Gender Discrimination: Unequal treatment or perceptions based on an individual's sex or gender, often manifesting in various social, economic, and legal contexts.