What does the term "civil rights" refer to?

The term "civil rights" specifically refers to the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. This encompasses a range of protections that ensure individuals can participate fully in civic life without discrimination based on attributes such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability. Civil rights are fundamental to a democratic society, as they enable citizens to exercise their freedoms, such as voting and accessing public services, on an equal footing with others.

The notion of civil rights gained significant prominence during the civil rights movement in the mid-20th century, which focused on ending racial segregation and discrimination, particularly in the United States. Legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, aimed to protect these rights and promote equality.

In contrast, owning property, free speech, or the rights of corporations do not encapsulate the broader and integral concept of civil rights. While those with property rights or free speech are important aspects of individual rights, they are not exhaustive of civil rights as a whole, which includes a commitment to ensuring equality and freedom across all segments of society.