Betty Friedan

Definition

Betty Friedan was an American feminist writer and activist best known for her book 'The Feminine Mystique,' published in 1963. This groundbreaking work challenged the traditional roles of women in society and is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States. Friedan's ideas significantly influenced discussions surrounding gender equality, particularly in relation to the gender wage gap, advocating for women's rights to work and pursue careers on equal footing with men.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' sold over three million copies and played a key role in awakening the feminist movement in America during the 1960s.
2. Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, which became a powerful force in advocating for women's rights and addressing workplace discrimination.
3. Her work highlighted the dissatisfaction many women felt with their limited roles as housewives, which was a key factor in increasing awareness of the gender wage gap.
4. Friedan's advocacy included promoting women's access to education and careers, arguing that economic independence was essential for true equality.
5. She received numerous awards for her contributions to women's rights, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.

Review Questions

• How did Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' contribute to discussions about the gender wage gap?
  • Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' exposed the discontent many women felt regarding their roles as housewives, highlighting how these limitations hindered their professional aspirations and economic independence. By addressing these issues, Friedan not only inspired women to seek careers but also drew attention to the systemic barriers contributing to the gender wage gap. Her arguments helped shape public discourse around women's rights, emphasizing that economic equality was vital for achieving overall gender equality.
• Discuss how Betty Friedan's activism shaped the landscape of second wave feminism and its impact on workplace policies.
  • Betty Friedan's activism was instrumental in shaping second wave feminism by advocating for policies that addressed gender inequalities in the workplace. Through her founding of NOW and her influential writings, she pushed for equal pay, maternity leave, and anti-discrimination laws. Her efforts contributed to significant legislative changes, such as the Equal Pay Act, which aimed to close wage gaps between men and women, fundamentally altering workplace dynamics and promoting greater gender equity.
• Evaluate the lasting effects of Betty Friedan's work on contemporary discussions about gender equality and the current gender wage gap.
  • Betty Friedan's work continues to resonate today as contemporary discussions about gender equality often reference her contributions. The awareness she raised about women's roles has led to ongoing dialogues about workplace policies, equal pay, and balancing career and family life. While progress has been made since her time, challenges like the persistent gender wage gap highlight that her advocacy remains relevant; it serves as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts toward achieving true equality for women in all aspects of society.

Related terms

The Feminine Mystique: 'The Feminine Mystique' is a seminal book by Betty Friedan that critiques the idealized suburban housewife role and argues that women deserve more than domesticity.

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

Equal Pay Act: The Equal Pay Act of 1963 is a U.S. law aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex, reinforcing the fight for gender wage equality advocated by Friedan and others.