One of the most significant movements for achieving gender equality is the legal reform that recognizes the rights of individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, ability, national origin, religion, or any aspect of human diversity.
While the law may have changed, it has not always been accompanied by changes in hearts and minds. This situation can create problems regarding attitudes towards these differences, which in turn affect the way people relate to each other. In this sense, it can be said that changing laws without modifying hearts does not guarantee genuine equality because even if there are formal mechanisms that ensure equal treatment, real discrimination still occurs through prejudice and fear. To clarify this issue, we must go into detail about the factors involved in it.
We must take into account how the mind works when facing social constructs that differ from those established. According to studies, human beings tend to associate what they know with what they see, so it's understandable to observe some reluctance in accepting new concepts, especially if they seem contrary to what has been believed until now.
Many people have had a hard time understanding that women can also work as leaders, administrators, or executives instead of remaining at home taking care of children and household chores. Likewise, homosexuals had to fight against decades of rejection before being allowed to express themselves freely and enter relationships like heterosexual couples. These mental barriers do not disappear overnight just because certain laws have been modified. It takes time and education to overcome them and allow for more equitable coexistence. Moreover, preconceived ideas are often related to historical customs and traditions that have shaped society and become part of its cultural heritage. Therefore, it is difficult to get rid of these beliefs without affecting identity formation, which is an essential aspect of individuality.
It should be considered that the law cannot always protect individuals from subtle forms of discrimination. Although legislation may prohibit obvious examples such as physical aggression or sexual harassment, it does not cover acts that harm self-esteem, feelings, or reputation. Many times, people resort to indirect ways of attacking others based on their differences, making them feel inferior or inferior to others. This type of behavior occurs in personal environments and places where there are no regulations that sanction them but still affect daily life. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the emotional environment that surrounds the person, which includes family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and strangers. A legal change does not erase all the damage caused by years of stigma and disdain for whoever is different from what is established as the norm.
We must also analyze how social groups perceive equality. While some activists work towards greater awareness and demand equal rights for everyone, many others remain unaware of this reality and continue to believe in traditional roles in the domestic sphere or at work.
Although women can now occupy leadership positions, they must face resistance from those who want them to fulfill more feminine tasks and consider them less competent than men. Likewise, when talking about homosexuals, even though same-sex marriage has been legalized in many countries, many people still see them as aberrant or deviant compared to heteronormative relationships, which creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for them. In summary, these aspects prevent true integration and respect among individuals regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, religion, race, ability, age, etc., and make the law's changes seem superficial.
Can changing laws without changing hearts result in superficial equality?
The issue of changing laws without changing people's attitudes is a complex one that has been debated for decades. While some may argue that it can lead to superficial equality, others believe that true equality requires more than just legal changes. Changing laws without altering hearts is like putting a bandage on a wound without treating the underlying problem. It can temporarily alleviate symptoms but will not address the root cause of the issue.