Question

supporters of the equal rights amendment (era) believed it would

• strengthen traditional gender roles
• decrease gender-based disparities
• weaken womens rights
• expand gender discrimination

Explanation:

Identify the goal of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. Its primary objective was to end legal distinctions between men and women in terms of divorce, property, employment, and other matters.

Evaluate the options against the goal

• "strengthen traditional gender roles": Incorrect. The ERA sought to challenge and dismantle traditional legal distinctions based on gender roles.
• "decrease gender-based disparities": Correct. By ensuring equal protection under the law, supporters believed it would reduce legal and economic inequalities between men and women.
• "weaken women's rights": Incorrect. Supporters advocated for the amendment to strengthen and secure women's rights, not weaken them.
• "expand gender discrimination": Incorrect. The amendment was explicitly aimed at eliminating gender-based discrimination.

Answer:

• strengthen traditional gender roles
• decrease gender-based disparities (Correct answer)
• weaken women's rights
• expand gender discrimination