Dignity is the sense of self-respect and worth that every person has, and the calm, respectful behavior that shows it. It can also refer to the honor or seriousness of a situation or role.
From Old French "dignete" and Latin "dignitas" meaning "worthiness" or "honor," from "dignus" (worthy). It originally referred to high rank or status before broadening to all human worth.
Dignity is about being worthy—not because of wealth or status, but simply because you’re human. Many human rights ideas are built on this single word: that every person’s dignity deserves protection.
Appeals to 'dignity' have sometimes been used to police gender roles, for example by labeling certain work or behaviors as undignified for women while tolerating them for men. Conversely, feminist and human-rights movements have reclaimed dignity as a universal principle.
Use 'dignity' to refer to all people regardless of gender, and avoid framing dignity as conditional on conforming to traditional gender norms.
["worth","respect","human dignity"]
Women and gender-diverse activists have invoked dignity to challenge discriminatory laws, workplace harassment, and violence.
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