Was Defeat of the ERA a Major Setback for Feminism

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The defeat of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was indeed a major setback for feminism. The ERA, which aimed to guarantee equal rights for all citizens regardless of sex, was a crucial piece of legislation for the feminist movement. Its failure to be ratified meant that women continued to face legal discrimination in areas such as employment, education, and healthcare.

The defeat of the ERA also had broader implications for the feminist movement as a whole. It sent a message that the fight for gender equality was not a priority for many lawmakers and that women's rights were not seen as a fundamental issue. This setback also had a demoralizing effect on feminists, as it seemed to indicate that their efforts were not making significant progress.

Furthermore, the defeat of the ERA had lasting consequences for women's rights in the United States. Without the ERA, women have had to rely on piecemeal legislation and court decisions to address issues of gender discrimination, leading to a less comprehensive and cohesive approach to achieving equality.

In conclusion, the defeat of the ERA was a major setback for feminism because it hindered progress towards gender equality, sent a discouraging message to feminists, and had lasting implications for women's rights in the United States.

Was Defeat of the ERA a Major Setback for Feminism

Definitions: