Betty Friedan

Definition

Betty Friedan was an influential American feminist writer and activist, best known for her groundbreaking book 'The Feminine Mystique,' published in 1963. This work challenged traditional gender roles and sparked the second wave of feminism, addressing the dissatisfaction of many women in post-war America who felt confined to domestic roles. Friedan's ideas helped to galvanize women into action, contributing to the formation of feminist organizations that sought equality and social change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' sold over three million copies and is credited with bringing women's dissatisfaction with their roles into public discourse.
2. She co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, which became a key organization in the fight for women's rights.
3. Friedan argued that many women were living in a state of 'the problem that has no name,' reflecting their feelings of unfulfillment and discontent.
4. She emphasized the importance of women pursuing education and careers outside of traditional domestic roles.
5. Friedan's work not only inspired women but also influenced broader social movements focused on civil rights and social justice during the 1960s and 1970s.

Review Questions

• How did Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' influence post-war gender expectations in America?
  • 'The Feminine Mystique' challenged the dominant narrative that women's fulfillment came exclusively from homemaking and motherhood. Friedan brought attention to the dissatisfaction experienced by many women in post-war America, encouraging them to seek education and careers. This shift in perspective contributed to changing gender expectations, as more women began to question their roles and strive for independence and equality.
• In what ways did Betty Friedan contribute to the establishment and mission of the National Organization for Women (NOW)?
  • Betty Friedan played a crucial role in co-founding NOW, which was created in response to the need for an organized effort to advocate for women's rights. The organization aimed to address issues such as workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and equal pay. Friedan's leadership and ideas helped shape NOW's early agenda, making it a significant force in advancing feminist causes throughout the late 1960s and beyond.
• Evaluate the impact of Betty Friedan's ideas on later feminist movements and contemporary discussions about gender equality.
  • Betty Friedan's ideas laid the groundwork for later feminist movements by articulating the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. Her emphasis on women's dissatisfaction with traditional roles resonated with subsequent generations of feminists who expanded on her ideas regarding intersectionality, reproductive rights, and workplace equality. Today, Friedan's legacy continues to influence discussions about gender equality as activists build upon her insights to address ongoing issues such as wage gaps, representation, and sexual harassment.

Related terms

The Feminine Mystique:

'The Feminine Mystique' is a book by Betty Friedan that critiques the notion that women find fulfillment solely through homemaking and motherhood, igniting the feminist movement in the 1960s.

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

National Organization for Women (NOW):

A feminist organization founded in 1966 that advocates for women's rights and equality, aiming to address issues such as discrimination, reproductive rights, and workplace equality.