Equality

equality

Generally, an ideal of uniformity in treatment or status by those in a position to affect either. Acknowledgment of the right to equality often must be coerced from the advantaged by the disadvantaged. Equality of opportunity was the founding creed of U.S. society, but equality among all peoples and between the sexes has proved easier to legislate than to achieve in practice. Social or religious inequality is deeply ingrained in some cultures and thus difficult to overcome (see caste). Government efforts to achieve economic equality include enhancing opportunities through tax policy, subsidized training and education, redistributing wealth or resources, and preferential treatment of those historically treated unequally (see affirmative action). See also civil rights movement; feminism; gay rights movement; human rights; Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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Equality

See also Feminism.

Augsburg, Peace of

German princes determined state religion; Lutherans granted equal rights (1555). [Ger. Hist.: NCE, 185]

Bakke decision

“reverse discrimination” victim; entered medical school with Supreme Court’s help. [Am. Hist.: Facts (1978), 483]

Barataria

monarchy where all men are equal and the rulers share the palace chores. [Br. Opera: Gilbert and Sullivan The Gondoliers]

Dred Scott decision

controversial ruling stating that Negroes were not entitled to “equal justice.” [Am. Hist.: Payton, 203]

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

U.S. government agency appointed to promote the cause of equal opportunity for all U.S. citizens. [Am. Hist.: Payton, 224]

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

the proposed 27th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, stating that men and women must be treated equally by law. [Am. Hist.: Payton, 224]

Equality State

nickname of Wyoming, first state to give women the right to vote. [Am. Hist.: Payton, 224]

NAACP

(National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) vanguard of Negro fight for racial equality. [Am. Hist.: Van Doren, 548–549]

Nantes, Edict of

granted Protestants same rights as Catholics in France (1598). [Fr. Hist.: EB, VII: 184]

Nineteenth Amendment

granted women right to vote (1920). [Am. Hist.: Van Doren, 409]

We Shall Overcome

anthem of civil rights movement, rallying song of black Americans. [Am. Pop. Cult.: Misc.]