How should society treat sexism?

Sexism is the belief that some form of social, political, or economic discrimination, based solely on gender assignment, is appropriate and justified. Sexism involves the belief that one sex is, by its very nature, inferior to the other.

Sexism in language

Any statement asserting or implying that sexual identity increases or decreases the degree to which a person is entitled to respect is sexist. Any remark that assumes that men and women, because of their gender assignment, have particular social roles—apart from those directly resulting from differences in sexual organs—is sexist. Drawing a distinction between remarks that have a sexual meaning and those that are sexist is sometimes difficult; some people confuse expressions which undoubtedly have a sexual content with those that are sexist. But drawing the distinction is often possible. An understanding of sexism is vital to constructive communications between and about the sexes. Recognizing and effectively responding to sexism in language combats injustice. Just as important is sorting out the sexist remarks from those remarks which have a sexual theme but are not truly sexist.

Sexism in decisions regarding employment or membership

Sexism is often manifested in choices regarding employment or membership in an organization. Sexism may be the reason why a person is excluded from a group or given or denied some position within a group. A particular assignment or exclusion of an individual, when it involves unjust discrimination based on gender, is sexist.

Pro: Other amendments to the Constitution protect major groups of citizens against discrimination. But none specifically aims to halt the discrimination that women suffer solely as a result of their sexual identity.

Con: An ERA is unnecessary to secure the rights of women. Other mechanisms exist for that purpose.

Con: An ERA would produce greater costs than benefits. New bureaucracies would spring into existence at great expense to the taxpayers. Courts that are already overworked would be burdened with a whole new category of cases.

Con: An ERA would be difficult to enforce. The generality of the language of the amendment would generate many disputes.

Whether an ERA is ever passed, education of the citizenry regarding sexism and sexual harassment can proceed apace. While laws can influence the behavior of individuals and even reshape a whole society, they cannot quickly change the attitudes of those to whom they are directed. Indeed the enforcement of unpopular laws can create a backlash that threatens to overturn them. Education aimed at getting everyone to acknowledge the wrongfulness of discrimination helps to mobilize strong social forces that will over time reduce if not altogether eliminate discrimination.