Answer: The option that best explains how the debate over the Equal Rights Amendment was both a cultural and economic issue is b. It challenged traditionally restrictive gender roles and promoted greater economic independence for women. The Equal Rights Amendment was aimed at prohibiting discrimination based on sex and ensuring equal legal rights for all citizens regardless of gender. This amendment would have had significant cultural implications by challenging traditional gender roles and promoting the idea of gender equality. However, it also had economic implications by promoting greater economic independence for women, as it would have made it illegal to discriminate against women in the workplace based on their gender. This would have allowed women to have more economic opportunities and access to better-paying jobs. Therefore, the debate over the Equal Rights Amendment was both a cultural and economic issue.