Betty Friedan

Definition

Betty Friedan was a prominent American feminist, writer, and activist known for her influential book 'The Feminine Mystique,' published in 1963. This groundbreaking work is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for women's rights in the context of post-World War II society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' sold over three million copies and is credited with articulating the frustrations of many suburban housewives who felt unfulfilled.
2. Friedan's work helped to reshape public perceptions of women's roles in society, challenging the belief that a woman's ultimate fulfillment came from marriage and motherhood.
3. She co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, which became one of the leading advocacy groups for women's rights in America.
4. Friedan's activism extended beyond women's rights; she also supported civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-war movements throughout her life.
5. Her contributions were pivotal in shifting the conversation around gender equality, leading to legislative changes such as Title IX, which aimed to eliminate gender discrimination in education.

Review Questions

• How did Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' contribute to the rise of second wave feminism?
  • Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' played a crucial role in igniting second wave feminism by highlighting the dissatisfaction of women who felt trapped in traditional domestic roles. The book articulated the struggles of these women and questioned the societal expectation that their fulfillment should come solely from marriage and motherhood. This resonated with many women, prompting them to advocate for greater equality and pushing for reforms that would allow them to pursue careers and education.
• In what ways did Friedan's activism influence women's rights movements in the 1960s and beyond?
  • Friedan's activism was instrumental in shaping the women's rights movement during the 1960s. By co-founding the National Organization for Women (NOW) and advocating for issues such as workplace equality, reproductive rights, and an end to gender discrimination, she galvanized a generation of women to demand change. Her efforts helped raise awareness about systemic inequalities and inspired legal reforms that would promote gender equality in various spheres of life.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Betty Friedan's work on contemporary discussions surrounding gender equality.
  • The long-term impacts of Betty Friedan's work can be seen in ongoing discussions surrounding gender equality today. Her pioneering efforts challenged deeply ingrained societal norms about women's roles, laying the groundwork for subsequent movements advocating for equal pay, reproductive rights, and representation in leadership positions. Contemporary feminists continue to draw on her ideas as they address issues like intersectionality and workplace discrimination, demonstrating how Friedan's legacy remains relevant in advancing gender equity across diverse contexts.

Related terms

Second Wave Feminism: A period of feminist activity that began in the early 1960s and lasted through the 1980s, focusing on issues such as equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and legal inequalities.

Feminine Mystique: 'The Feminine Mystique' is a seminal book by Betty Friedan that critiques the idealized notion of women as solely homemakers and highlights the dissatisfaction of many women in that role.

National Organization for Women (NOW): An American feminist organization founded in 1966 to advocate for women's rights and promote equal opportunities in all aspects of society.