Equal Rights Amendment

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. First introduced in Congress in 1923, the ERA sought to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, property, employment, and other areas. Its advocacy was fueled by the women’s liberation movement, which used television and other media to raise awareness and support for gender equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ERA was first introduced by Alice Paul in 1923 but did not pass Congress until 1972 when it was approved by both houses.
2. Despite being ratified by 35 states by the 1982 deadline, the ERA fell three states short of the necessary 38 for constitutional adoption.
3. The women's liberation movement utilized television to highlight issues of gender inequality and promote the ERA, influencing public opinion significantly.
4. Opposition to the ERA was fueled by fears of unintended consequences, particularly regarding family structure and gender roles.
5. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the ERA, with discussions around its potential ratification continuing into the 21st century.

Review Questions

• How did the women's liberation movement influence public support for the Equal Rights Amendment during its campaigning years?
  • The women's liberation movement played a crucial role in advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment by using various forms of media, including television, to raise awareness about gender inequality. Activists organized campaigns that highlighted discriminatory laws and practices, making the need for the ERA more visible to the public. This movement generated significant grassroots support and spurred discussions around women's rights, which ultimately pressured lawmakers to consider passing the amendment.
• Analyze the reasons behind both the support and opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment during its push for ratification.
  • Supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment argued that it was necessary to provide a clear constitutional guarantee of gender equality, addressing legal disparities between men and women. On the other hand, opposition came from various groups who feared that the amendment would undermine traditional family structures and lead to unintended consequences like women being drafted into combat roles. This division highlighted deep societal divides over gender roles and the definition of equality itself.
• Evaluate how media representation during the women's liberation movement contributed to contemporary discussions about gender equality and the Equal Rights Amendment.
  • Media representation during the women's liberation movement was pivotal in shaping contemporary discussions about gender equality. By utilizing television shows, news segments, and public debates, activists brought issues related to discrimination and inequality into homes across America. This visibility not only helped garner widespread support for the Equal Rights Amendment but also laid the groundwork for ongoing conversations about women's rights today. As issues of gender equality continue to evolve, reflecting on this media influence helps understand how societal perceptions shift and how activism can be amplified through communication channels.

Related terms

Feminism: A social and political movement advocating for women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.

Second Wave Feminism: A period of feminist activity that began in the early 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on issues such as equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and legal inequalities.

Title IX: A federal law passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or educational program receiving federal funding, significantly impacting women's sports and education.