The Extension of Equality

1. The Extension of Equality Equal How did the concept of equality expand? Outcome 2.8

2. Labour Standards and Unions • Welfare capitalism depended on the efforts of capitalists and government; ordinary citizens had little power or influence in society, thus, equality rights had still to be achieved • During the 19th-century, labourers who wanted to improve their standard of living and their quality of life began to attempt to form unions • What this involved was a recognition of a new right—the right to organize As a result of the struggles' of the 19th-centry, unions exist even today.

3. The Value of Unions… • Unions could significantly strengthen the achievement of labour’s goals by acting collectively to negotiate equitable wages and decent working conditions—all of which undermined the capitalist’s control of the workplace • They could also threaten a strike if their desires were not met • Unions were regarded as subversive of classical liberal principles and capitalism, and were fiercely opposed • Unions did not become legal in Canada until 1872

4. Universal Suffrage • In the 18th century, in places where voting took place at all, the right to vote was reserved for propertied men with some wealth. Women, First Nations, and certain religious and ethnic groups were not allowed to vote • From 1867-1919, the classical liberal idea that voting was a privilege for the few gradually gave way to the idea that the franchise was a right. • Slowly, qualifications were removed, but for men only

5. Canadian Voting Rights The Dominion Elections Act (1920) • Vote given to all citizens of European extractions – both men and women • First Nations were not given the vote until 1960 (Inuit were awarded this right in 1950, but most were unable to exercise this right as poling stations were not set up in the North until the 1960s) • The last group to receive the franchise was prison inmates in 2002. See timeline on page 157

6. Voting Rights Across the Globe • Bhutan -- One vote per house. Although this applies to both men and women, in practice it currently prevents many more women from voting than men. • Lebanon -- Partial suffrage. Proof of education required for women, not required for men. Voting is compulsory for men; optional for women. • Brunei -- No suffrage for men or women. This country is ruled by a monarchy. Neither men nor women have the right to vote or to stand for election. • Saudi Arabia -- No suffrage for women. The first local elections ever held in the country occurred in 2005. Women were not given the right to vote or to stand for election. • United Arab Emirates -- No suffrage for men or women. The Parliament is officially appointed and there are no elections. Neither men nor women have the right to vote or to stand for election. Can you suggest why these nations may not be overly supportive of suffrage in general and female suffrage in particular?

7. Feminism • Feminism, at its simplest, is the belief that men and women are to be treated equally in all respects • Initially most people thought the rights of ‘man’, meant ‘men’….the train of thought here is equal rights solely. • Women were expected to work as hard as men, and were a source of cheap labour, as they were usually paid much less. • Gradually, women became more involved in the public sphere, becoming involved in anti-poverty campaigns and child labour movements; they were also active in temperance societies, which fought against the abuse of alcohol.

8. An expansion of rights… One two • By 1860, suffragists argued for the right to vote feeling this was the only way to gain greater equality rights (awarded 1920) • In 1929, the Canadian government recognized the right of women to be appointed to public office • Gender equality rights were also entrenched in the constitution. Nellie McClung: http://www.histori.ca/minutes/minute.do?id=10643