What is a primary goal of civil rights movements?

The primary goal of civil rights movements is fundamentally about moving natural rights to legal rights, which centers on the idea that rights inherently granted to individuals by virtue of being human should be formally recognized and protected by law. Civil rights movements seek to ensure that all individuals have equal access to rights that may not have been formally acknowledged or enforced in practice, such as the rights to vote, to be free from discrimination, and to participate equally in society.

This transformation from natural rights—which are considered universal and inherent—to legal rights is crucial because it creates a framework for accountability and enforcement. Without legal recognition, natural rights can be easily ignored or violated. Consequently, civil rights movements advocate for legislation and policy changes that safeguard these rights, thereby reinforcing the importance of equal treatment under the law for all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics.