Feminine Mystique

Definition

The Feminine Mystique is a book written by Betty Friedan, published in 1963, that challenged the traditional roles of women in American society. It argued that women were being confined to a domestic sphere and were unhappy as a result of societal expectations, which led to a national conversation about gender roles and women's rights. This work became a catalyst for the second-wave feminist movement, sparking discussions about women's liberation and equality in various aspects of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' sparked widespread discussion about the dissatisfaction many women felt with their roles as housewives and mothers.
2. The book introduced the term 'the problem that has no name,' referring to the feeling of emptiness experienced by many suburban housewives.
3. Friedan's work helped to revive the women's movement, leading to increased activism and awareness regarding gender equality.
4. The Feminine Mystique has been credited with influencing key legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited sex discrimination in employment.
5. The book remains a landmark text in feminist literature and continues to be studied for its insights into gender roles and societal expectations.

Review Questions

• How did 'The Feminine Mystique' contribute to changing perceptions of women's roles in society during the 1960s?
  • 'The Feminine Mystique' played a crucial role in shifting perceptions of women's roles by exposing the unhappiness many women experienced while adhering to traditional domestic expectations. Betty Friedan articulated these feelings through her analysis of suburban life, encouraging women to seek fulfillment beyond homemaking. This sparked conversations that led to a growing awareness of gender inequality and ultimately fostered a push for greater rights and opportunities for women.
• Evaluate the impact of Betty Friedan's arguments in 'The Feminine Mystique' on the emergence of second-wave feminism.
  • 'The Feminine Mystique' significantly impacted second-wave feminism by articulating the frustrations of women who felt trapped in conventional roles. Friedan's arguments resonated with many, leading to increased activism around issues such as workplace equality, reproductive rights, and social justice. This shift in focus allowed feminists to address broader societal structures that perpetuated gender inequality, expanding the feminist movement's goals and reach.
• Assess how 'The Feminine Mystique' reflects and responds to broader cultural changes in post-World War II America.
  • 'The Feminine Mystique' reflects post-World War II America's cultural changes by challenging the prevailing notion that women's primary role should be as homemakers and mothers. The book emerged at a time when many women had entered the workforce during the war but were then pushed back into traditional roles as men returned home. Friedan's work responded to this cultural regression by highlighting the discontentment of women, advocating for their rights and contributions beyond domesticity, and influencing subsequent movements for social change and equality.

Related terms

Second-Wave Feminism: A period of feminist activism that began in the 1960s, focusing on issues such as workplace equality, reproductive rights, and social norms.

Betty Friedan:

An American feminist writer and activist best known for her book 'The Feminine Mystique,' which critiqued the idealization of women's roles as housewives.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA): A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution designed to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex, which gained momentum during the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s.