Women's Rights Arguments

Modern rights have remained a central, often problematic aspect of political dialogue since their inception. As such, It can be said that the conflict surrounding rights largely predates the American political system; that is not to say this disagreement is irrelevant in our debates of certain rights in American politics — in fact, it is imperative to our understanding of rights themselves and these debates concerning them. The origins and foundations of rights determine their very nature, how they are argued for or against, as well as how and to what extent they are implemented. Hence, the philosophical question about their origins is entirely relevant and to an extent imperative to our debates of rights in American politics.

In the American

Contributing to this debate is the question of whether rights in general -- and women’s rights, abortion, and LGBT rights specifically -- come from an external standard or are simply a product of law. This very question largely determines the result of the debate: if rights are considered to come from an external standard, say religion, they are largely incontestable, if they are considered a product of law they are therefore more susceptible to debate and contest. A specific case can be drawn with respect to women’s rights. In initial arguments, those outlined in the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions in 1848, women’s rights were advocated for on the basis of their natural foundation. The document itself cites the oppression of women as “contrary to the precepts of nature” and argues that woman was intended to be man’s equal and “ was intended to be so by the Creator.” This consideration of certain rights being based on an external standard allows women’s rights to be remarkably undeniable. This specific case, given that women’s suffrage has since been guaranteed by the constitution, also addresses the importance of the question with respect to judging constitutional rights. In more modern times, abortion and LGBT rights come into play; these rights