The Equal Rights Amendment controversy is studied as a conflict between two world views that are created by the rhetoric generated by proponents and opponents. Descriptions of the settings, actions, characters, and motivations of the opposing worlds reveal little common ground on which traditional argumentation can occur. (JMF)

The failure of the supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment to understand the rhetoric and world view of its opponents resulted in the defeat of the amendment. The opponents of the ERA had six arguments: women are not discriminated against; women will be drafted; protective labor laws will be eliminated; the ERA will destroy tradition regarding…

Examines the rhetoric of the STOP ERA movement and the vision offered to its members. Assesses the social impact of the message. (PD)

Demonstrates that the rhetorical vision of STOP ERA is essentially mythic in both its plot (the romantic quest) and in its characters (psychological archetypes). Discusses the subtle and pervasive impact of such mythical archetypes. (JMF)

Three factors were identified as most important in explaining the nonratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): (1) the low support for the amendment among politically influential groups; (2) the uneven geographic distribution of ERA support; and (3) the association between ERA opposition and a broader right-wing backlash. (Author/RM)

Among the various attempts to identify the social roots of antifeminism, two theories in particular are prominent. The first argues that for both men and women, anti-abortion and anti-Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) sentiments have disproportionate appeal among lower socio-economic status, rural, and older constituencies. The second asserts that for…

This book contains a collection of essays on the subject of women, sport, and society. Literature on this topic is reviewed from the feminist viewpoint. The prologue offers a history of women's participation in sports from ancient Greece to the present. The essential thesis is advanced that, over the centuries, social norms have permitted sport…

This book discusses women's roles in Illinois history from the Indian period and the frontier through the Civil War, the Progressive Era, world wars and depressions to the 1970's. It relates these roles to the larger process of historical development. The authors wrote the book for all those seeking to enlarge their understanding of Illinois…

Presented from a geographical perspective, this book examines major themes of human geography by drawing from the literature on feminism. The book is arranged into four parts. Part 1 examines sex ratios throughout the world, geographical distribution of female rights and status, spatial patterns of the Equal Rights Amendment ratification, the…