3.11 vid 1

Government Response to Social Movements

• Introduction

  • Focus on how government responds to social movements.

  • Emphasis on the Fourteenth Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause.

  • Exploration of legal protections for marginalized individuals.

Methods of Affecting Change

• Pluralism

  • Traditional means: voting and joining interest groups.

  • Often used by groups experiencing discrimination to advocate for change.

• Participatory Methodologies

  • Groups employ various strategies to make their voices heard:

    • Boycotting

    • Collective Bargaining

  • Labor unions involved in advocating for workers' rights, including:

    • Safe workplaces

    • Equal pay

    • Benefits

Advocacy for Civil Rights

• Role of Advocacy

  • Groups strive for civil rights at multiple government levels:

    • Federal (Congress, President)

    • State legislatures and governors

    • Local government institutions

  • Focus on equity in education, employment, and amenities.

Key Legislation

• Civil Rights Act of 1964

  • Prohibits discrimination in public places.

  • Provides for the integration of schools and public facilities.

  • Courts given authority for preclearance regarding voting laws.

• Title IX of the Education Amendments Act

  • Protects against sex-based discrimination in federally funded educational programs.

  • Ensures compliance for institutions receiving federal dollars.

Landmark Court Cases

• Brown v. Board of Education

  • Challenges segregation in education.

  • Collective of five cases from multiple states, aimed at overturning "separate but equal."

  • Chief Justice Earl Warren's intention for clarity in the holding:

    • Segregated schools are inherently unequal.

    • Emotional harm to students caused by segregation.

  • Resulted in significant resistance from Southern states, including school closures to avoid integration.

• Other Notable Cases

  • Reed v. Reed: Equal rights protection for women.

  • Mills v. Board of Education: Advocacy for equal access to education for individuals with disabilities.

Impact of Social Movements

• Pressure on Political Institutions

  • Groups utilize their collective strength to advocate for legislative changes.

  • Importance of recognized voices in political discourse.

• Broader Implications

  • Social movements shape policies and alter perceptions of equality and discrimination in society.

Conclusion

• Anticipation of further exploration of Brown v. Board of Education in future discussions.

• Encouragement to reflect on the different methods used to achieve social and legal change.