Second Wave Feminism, The Equal Rights Amendment, and Phyllis Schlafly

Overview

• Second Wave Feminism: Movement in the 1960s and 70s aimed at achieving greater equality for women.
• Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): Proposed amendment to the US Constitution to guarantee equal rights for women.
• Phyllis Schlafly: Conservative activist who led opposition against the ERA.

Key Historical Context

• National Organization for Women: Established in 1966, pivotal in advocating for the ERA.
• ERA Proposal: Introduced in Congress in 1923, passed in 1972; needed ratification by 38 states.
• Bipartisan Support: Initially had bipartisan and significant public support.

Phyllis Schlafly's Campaign

• Background: Housewife and mother, Schlafly opposed the ERA, believing it threatened traditional family roles.
• Strategies: Used media appearances, rallies, and personal outreach (e.g., baking pies) to sway opinion.
• Coalition Building: Aligned with evangelical Christians, Catholics, and conservatives.
• Impact: Successfully stopped the ERA three states short of ratification by 1977.

Political Implications

• Conservative Movement: Schlafly's efforts aided the rise of a conservative coalition, contributing to Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential victory.
• Reagan Era: Marked by a shift in the Republican Party towards conservative policies.

Legacy and Continuing Debate

• Gender Equality Issues: Despite Schlafly's opposition, many of the issues she opposed, like abortion rights, have become protected.
• Ongoing ERA Debates: Recent attempts to revive the ERA continue, highlighting enduring gender equality struggles.

Discussion Points

• Arguments Against the ERA: Schlafly argued it would lead to negative changes like drafting women into combat.
• Effect on Political Parties: Helped solidify party lines with conservatives aligning against the ERA.
• Modern Perspectives: Examines how views on gender equality have changed since the 1970s.

Educational Resource

• Retro Report: Provides historical context and perspectives on the ERA and Schlafly's role.
• Teaching Materials: Includes primary source analysis, comprehension questions, and historical thinking skills development.

Additional Resources

• Smithsonian Collection: Offers artifacts and promotional materials related to the ERA.
• Speeches and Debates: Includes primary sources from both pro and anti-ERA perspectives, such as speeches by Phyllis Schlafly and Shirley Chisholm.