No, I’m not talking about whether the Equal Rights Amendment should be approved. I’m referring to some statistics I happened to run across while researching another story. NationMaster.com, a site that compiles statistics from numerous sources, provides the following table of the percentage of women agreeing with the statement, “Women should have equal rights,” in a 1999 poll:
#1 Netherlands: 80%
#2 Australia: 77%
#3 United Kingdom: 73%
#4 Canada: 70%
#5 Belgium: 70%
#6 Germany: 70%
#7 United States: 62%
#8 Switzerland: 39%
#9 Japan: 21%
A quick search of the Internet didn’t come up with a later survey (if you know of one, please share), so let’s take a look at this one. Less than 10 years ago, only 62% of U.S. women agreed that women should have equal rights. It begs the question, then, that if the poll were conducted today, would the response rate improve, remain the same, or (pause in shock) skew lower?
This year alone, Hilary Clinton’s campaign created a heightened awareness of women in politics and other positions of power for many Americans, let alone those interested in such topics. From some of the comments I have read or heard, I know there are plenty of people today who still don’t believe a woman should be president of the United States. Do more people now — or fewer — believe in equal rights for women in general?
I know what AAUW’s research highlights. Our Behind the Pay Gap report shows that, just one year out of college, women working full time already earn less than their male colleagues earn, even when they work in the same field. Ten years after graduation, the pay gap widens. How about we start with pay equity at least?
Men and women are different. Therefore should not have equal rights!
Equal rights…… Yes I agree to equal rights. However an issue was brought up the other day concerning a video of police being attacked. It seems fine for a woman to take the role of a police officer BUT if she is attacked as MANY police are attacked it seems that something MUST be done about it?
Equal rights includes equal responsibility and actions that are taken by others. IF women have a problem with the fact they will more than likely be attacked for doing the job of the police then maybe they should think more clearly about what they are actually asking for?
I didn’t bother reading every single post so i won’t have picked up on all the points and someone may have said these things already but;
Simply the opinion “women may be less attracted to men” is a pretty feeble excuse for unequal rights.
Also someone said man created most of the things we used to become civilized, this is not provable. Women may have contributed a great deal. We refer to our whole species as “man” in some cases so when “man” as a species is said to have done something it also refers to women as well.
Just because some women may not be bothered about rights, it doesn’t mean others aren’t.
If men had been oppressed and treated as if they were an inferior species, they would now be fighting for more rights and unhappy with the situation and many men are now perfectly happy for women to have equal rights. I ask this question in all seriousness, how would you feel if you were unequal to women? (addressed to any male debaters here.)
Women, even though it is against the law in some countries, are paid 89% of the wages of a man doing the exact same job with the exact same company and exact same qualifications.
It is unfeasible for women to have unequal rights, as we now by law have them, because the entire women population and a vast majority of the male population would be in uproar. It is the sort of vile oppressive totalitarian thing done by power-hungry maniacs. The suffragettes would have fought for nothing.
And may I ask, what could possibly be “fair” about unequal rights?
I feel (this is only my opinion) that some men wish for the “good old days” when they were more dominant.
(only SOME men)
A recent opinion poll directed at women about the statement ‘women have equal rights to men do you agree?’ % of women who agreed.
Australia 25%
Netherlands 20%
Switzerland 14%
Belgium 12%
UK 9%
USA 8%
Canada 8%
Germany 7%
think about that. women feel they are inferior…
…when they are not, just treated like they are.
I do not believe anyone can argue egual rights. What I do see is the fact that women themselves do not support it unless it benefits only them. Through out society are examples where they do not want equal rights because there is a gain or control issue at stake.
Where they themselves use their sex to their benefit.
True equality I dont believe will ever be achieved because of greed/control etc.
I believe that women should not have equal rights……they complain about how they don’t have them, but if you look at all the things they are doing in today’s society then you would realize that women have just as many, if not more rights then men do in today’s society. if they feel the need to complain that they don’t have enough rights then maybe women shouldn’t have any rights….maybe we should go back to the days when women were looked down upon and were forced to do what they were told when they were told without question. to all you women out there that read this, you know i am right and maybe you should just be happy with the rights you already have instead of pushing it.
You’re truly an idiot.
Amen Josh!
WOMEN should have EQUAL rights. If they have equal or more rights , as you say , then why on Earth would they ” COMPLAIN ” , as you put it. They must have a reason… and if you’re thinking they want to gain power over us then you’re WRONG because they ARE NOT “complaining ” for more rights , they’re complaing for E.Q.U.A.L rights.
Put yourself in their shoes for once , eh ? Think OF their situation. I’ve no doubt you would COMPLAIN if you aern’t getting any EQUAL RIGHTS.I’d love to see you in that situation. Josh is RIGHT … you truly are a idiot. Actually ” idiot ” is an understatement.
How could you not see what is happening. We as men want nothing but to gain as much control as possible…
AND ” PUSHING IT ” …. their not the ones pushing it , it’s US and you know it . We’re pushing our luck trying to control women , we’re pushing our luck on trying to keep them below US and sooner or later , it will have to end ONE way or another !!!
Doubtless you really are a idiotic fool…
Women are only campaigning for the rights they are entitled to as human beings, they are not pushing it.
You are a real moron, we are not still living in the 17th century! You cannot go back in time and opress and crush women’s spirit and free will just so you can be dominant.
You make me feel sick the way you say it as if it’s no big deal, and I don’t think any woman on the planet would think you’re right!
i would just like to say that women have come a long way but we are still not equal to men i feel that the reason for this is because it is so ingrained in our society that the woman should take care of the house. Although i strongly wish that congress would approve the equal rights movement.
I think women should stay at home where they belong . Its a proven fact that when the women went to work the family started to fail
Ugh! And I thought Neanderthal man went the way of the Stone Age. Are you kidding me? What “proven facts”? Do you mean the fact that some men can’t stand competing on their own merits (or lack thereof) against women, people of color, immigrants? Next you’ll be saying that women in the workplace are the reason for the recession, the failure of Wall Street, the war in Iraq, and global warming. Why do you think so many world socities are not economically viable? Half of more of their citizens — WOMEN — are kept at home, behind closed doors, denied basic human rights, and the ability to contribute. Welcome to the 21st century Larry. Women should be equal partners in the world, society, the workplace, and at home.
Women are also critical to the health of the US economy accounting for 28% of non-farm businesses generating $1.9 trillion. Chew on that proven fact for a minute.
If women were not working those jobs men would then so your point is irrelevent
If it were men working the jobs the revenue probably would have been closer to 3 trillion
Larry, thanks for your opinion. It’s folks like yourself that make the work of AAUW so rewarding.
Equal Rights is not up for discussion it is God Given. The founders of our Government gave rights to ALL Americans and never said just because you are a woman you will be granted less rights. This is just a bunch of garbage. Women must have equal rights, we work, we raise families, we take care of our elders, we pay taxes, we own property.
There is NO bargaining chip here, we want our rights and we will have them.
And if men choose not to give them to you then what are you going to do. You forget women will always be weaker and less effective as combatants which is what everything really boils down to.
Those “God Given” rights by our white founding fathers were secured by America’s military. Men who fight and die to allow you to think you have equal rights.
The second this country fails or white culture starts to recede to the point the white man loses control women will lose their equal rights to another culture that doesn’t share our value system.
Talking about God now? Women are the reason we were kicked out of the Garden of Eden! And actually the FOUNDERS of our government gave equal rights to MALE WHITE PROPERTY OWNERS. Equal rights for women were no more established by our founding fathers than they were for blacks! lol
I think we all agree that men and women are not the same, and that this is a good thing. However, the core of the matter to me is one of choice.
Maybe I want a lower paying job, but maybe I don’t. Maybe I want to stay at home and raise my children, but maybe I don’t. Maybe I want to be with a man who is “powerful,” but maybe I don’t hold a traditional view of what power is.
My point is that we can’t all be equally free as people if we are not held to the same standards, and not afforded the same privileges.
And I think we all agree that everyone should enjoy the same standard of freedom… don’t we?
Men and women are not the same, one has a penis and the other a vagina. So what! I work as hard if not harder than any Man I know. I step up the the plate when responsibility knocks, I don’t take off and leave my problems behind. I pay taxes therefore I deserve my rights. I do not hate men I just to not prefer to be compared to them.
We must stop the gender wars and just treat each other equally. No more and no less than equality for all. We have got to stop looking at people as different when we are all born to love and live equally.
Ok… My view is going to seem really controversial, But please hear me out.
I do not agree with women having equal rights.
But this is not because I don’t think women could do a mans job, because I know for a fact that they can, and even sometimes better.
I disagree that women should have the same power as men due to the laws of attraction.
Women are genetically born to be attracted to “strong” “masculine” “powerful” men.
But these days things are taking a twist. While women are gaining more and more power, men are giving more and more power away… and because of this, women are finding it more difficult to find the “right” man, because they already have just as much power as any man does.
As long as men keep giving more and more power away, women are going to feel less and less attracted to the males.
As far out as my comment might seem. I have done lengthy research on this subject. And it worries me to say the least.
Fraser
Fraser, you certainly present a unique point of view, thanks for sharing it with us. I know personally I’m more attracted to a man who believes in equality. I see that as a reflection of their having higher self-esteem and more “power” per your definition. Other opinons?
wait till you have had a real man and then you won’t say the same thing.
I don’t find it attractive if a man thinks that my rights should be tied to my attraction to men.
I’d be interested to see your “research” on this subject.
My experience is similar to Christy’s. The women I know are attracted to men who believe in and work for equality — they see it as reflecting more self-esteem and less insecurity about power. And they don’t seem to have problems finding the “right” man either.
On the other hand, I also know some men who insist on hold power and privilege for themselves, and don’t want to share with women. They’re the ones who have a hard time finding the “right” partner — and no surprise: these days, most women are tired of seeing themselves as second-class citizens.
jon
“Women are genetically born to be attracted to “strong” “masculine” “powerful” men.”
How in the world can you prove such a thing?
Really, that’s your excuse for disagreeing with womens’ rights? Because you think we won’t be ATTRACTED to males anymore? What nonsense. You talk about instinct, but forget that women, like men, are driven to have children. And we can’t do it on our own. I am completely disgusted with your opinion. You talk as though you know exactly what women want. Most women are “attracted” to men who give them their equal grounds. Who listen and understand them. Who see them as their equal, not push them around like cattle. Push US around like cattle. I’m sorry if you can’t find a date because you have power issues. But for God’s sake, keep it out of politics!
i think women should have equal right and roles as men, because what a man can do a woman can do better , women have got the brain they have got the wisdom to be great people. at what time is women going to have the same right like men , at what time are women going to be havin the same privilege like men. let ‘s do things right so that the world will be a better place for our generation to come
Thanks for sharing these views Lucy.
I recently read another perspective, “Love in the Time of Layoff: Her Expendable Career” by Deborah Siegel, from the National Council for Research on Women’s blog. (http://www.ncrw.org/ncrwbigfive/love-in-the-time-of-layoff-her-expendable-career) Deborah talks about the “luxury” of child care vs. women continuing to work, all part of the equity equation.
It is interesting how some people think it would be a terrible thing. I worked in IT for years, earned much less than my male counterparts, was divorced, had a child and mortgage and was expected to cope. I do not think that by giving equal rights to women would actually improve their lives and those of their children. The control of women is not a new thing but seems to be one that men are scared of the consequences but not all men now feel that way and can see the benefits.
The control of women is instutionally accepted because of the fear of losing continued services that they provide, mother, wife, child carer etc.
Men are starting to question this:
‘All men know they do it, so they think it is normal behaviour and reinforces the inequality of women. This is reinforced by the media making men’s needs, desires etc more important than women. Hence they develop a competitive/survival mindset presenting a personal/social and political problem, without the integration of feminist analyses of gender relations and sexual politics. Adam Edward Jukes.
Thought I would share his views with you.
Women should have equal rights if they are doing an equal job. This does not mean that women and men will always do things exactly the same, so measuring equal has to take this consideration into account.
i believe women should have equal rights and pay because they can do as many things as we can…. they already have equal rights already so i dont need to go off of that… now they should get equal payed harder cause they work harder then the men and they have to deal with a lot of harrassment…. i think its bull that they r treated as if they are lower then us men and it sickens me…
Jon, Do you mean equal rights or equal pay? I thought equal rights were supposed to be for all Americans, even this is a hope toward which we should work? Or, do you think we need to go back to the days of women having no rights?
Gender should not determine pay for a particular job if gender does not effect how well the job can be done.
i agree with justin women should not have equal rights just be treated fairly if they are equal was it that men built and created most of the thigs we use
Just an FYI the reason why women did not contribute to many inventions is bc of the lack of rights to an education. And whatever women did contribute to society had to be hidden and pass threw her male family (father, brother, husband, son)…
Women are not in any way equal to men. Today women are unfortunately taking on more then necesary. Woking full time jobs, having a family and sometimes as only the only provider of care and finance, paying to recieve education, paying equal taxes, higher health care, etc… The list goes on. So they are not only stuck with burdens of all society like men but are also stuck with those of women!! Still today men refuse to relate to nor take responisbility to share these burdens. Women should have equal rights just for this fact alone!
I will attest to the impact of Justin’s comments on the audience at Christy’s session – since I was there. Heads shook in puzzlement, looks of amazement – among the women AND MEN who were there.
I wonder if Justin has a daughter. How might he explain that for equal work – she’s not going to get the same pay as a man? How is that fair?
Justin – I’m currently attending a conference, where the 5,000 attendees are learning the latest trends in the non-profit world. I actually was asked to be a speaker, focusing on “Tools of Engagement” for members/donors. As I was sitting waiting for the opening of the conference yesterday, enjoying the benefits of free wireless, I caught your response here to my earlier blog about Equal Rights.
I ended up quoting from your comments as the opener of my session that afternoon, showing the power of blogs, freedom of speech and why the work AAUW is doing today is still so very much in need. Thank you, I had numerous individuals inquiring about joining AAUW when my session ended.
Justin –
What classic warped tunnel-visioned logic! You believe that women should be treated “fairly” but not be given equal rights? What could possibly be “fair” about not having the same basic rights?
And you get an F in logic for somehow deducing that so many societal ills are the result of women gaining a voice. You preach for “common sense,” but there is no common sense in the notion that equal rights for women means that men lose something. That is the mindset of someone who believes they can only succeed in life at the expense of others, rather than in cooperation with others.
Sad!
I respectfully disagree.
By giving women equal “rights” under the law of the land, respect for men has nearly disappeared. Marital problems and divorce rates are at an all time high, STD rates are getting scary, kids are bringing guns to school and killing their classmates and teachers (not because of video games, but because they can’t stand those idiots). If women didn’t have as much say as men – corporal punishment would still be acceptable. Misguided people (mostly women) pushed for that one. In today’s world, men are against it too. Maybe because they got their ass beat when they were a kid. Apparently they didn’t kill anybody though, now did they?
The problem is – we base everything off this mathematical system. We seriously live by it. Logic has been disproved many times and this so-called perfect system is just as flawed as any other.
When something “technically” good (like equal rights) comes into the picture, it also causes a lot of bad. Same deal with racial differences and resolutions. I agree, equal rights could have been a great thing — ONLY if women were grounded enough to actually live that lifestyle correctly. Equal rights have really messed things up for us – but of course it’s helping big business grow. It more than doubled the amount of consumers in the world… Everyone is putting money first — money may just be the root of all evil.
The bottom line… Everyone is so focused on living their life the way they want to live it, they forget who gave them life, and why they are living in the first place. Life is a test and we all sin. There is no doubt things will keep getting harder. WE MUST HAVE COMMON SENSE. We need to dig down deeper to reach a much higher level of understanding on all matters. We must truthfully determine the long term repercussions of seeking change prior to making such a formal decision. Too bad uncle sam and big business together keep us so blinded it is near impossible to really live this way.
If equal rights are so good, why does it come with so much bad? And no, I’m not racist either. I have many friends of many colors. It’s not a matter of equality. It’s a fact that we are better off separated (Tower of Babel is a perfect example). Just as sex is fun, we are better off if we wait until marriage. These weren’t necessarily rules, these were suggested limitations to show us how to live our lives harmoniously.
I love women – and I believe women should be treated fairly. I do NOT however believe rights should be equal.
(editor’s note: typo fixed at the request of the comment author)
men and women should have equal rights
Lehigh, you’re so right, as is evident by AAUW’s research, “Behind the Pay Gap”. If you don’t have time to read the entire report, a quick read of pages 2 & 3 gives a summary of the myriad of reasons impacting the differences between men and women’s salaries in the workplace today.
Women often need to leave the workforce to care for elderly parents or family members or a good friend. They may have taken early retirement if they were able to or they may have just resigned from employment. Returning to the workforce after a period of caregiving is extremely difficult especially when it was extended and the person is dealing with grief due to the loss. The woman is probably older and will face ageism also. The job she finds will probably be lower paying.
Returning to the workplace after having a child is a good example, Karen. Supporting family friendly work policies is certainly something needed and is one of AAUW’s advocacy issues (http://www.aauw.org/advocacy/issue_advocacy/actionpages/fmla.cfm).
To follow up with Karen’s question – what other personalized examples do others have?
Since I will soon be a grandma, one question I have, is how women fare after returning to workforce after having a child.
As an employer in a small business, that is a concern for us and we had good employees successfully return and stay with us although we do not offer benefits in addition to medical insurance but planning together worked. We also had a stream of women who took the job already pregnant without our knowledge who then left when they were full term as it had been their advance plan.
The research I have read has not given me answers on whether women see a drop in their income if they are out of workforce due to childbirth for longer than 6-8 weeks and do not return to same job; has anyone seen anything about that as a factor that might skew the pay gap statistics?
Women who support education as an answer for knowledge as well as earnings seem to be more likely to also support equal rights although in my large, spread out state (CA), in the more rural areas, there is a more conservative approach evident that in the larger metropolitan areas.
The challenge is to target specific local benefits reaped from more progressive issues rather than presenting them in a more general manner. We who support equal rights must personalize it with examples from our own community of why it makes a difference that benefits us through sharing specific personalized examples to provide positive reinforcement of successes .