Betty Friedan

Definition

Betty Friedan was an American feminist writer and activist, best known for her groundbreaking book 'The Feminine Mystique' published in 1963. This book challenged the traditional roles of women in society and sparked the second wave of feminism, addressing issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and women's workforce participation. Friedan's work encouraged women to pursue personal fulfillment beyond domestic life, making her a central figure in the 20th-century feminist movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' is often credited with igniting the second wave of feminism in the United States, leading to increased activism and awareness of women's issues.
2. Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) to advocate for legislative changes that would promote gender equality and protect women's rights.
3. Her work highlighted the dissatisfaction many women felt with their roles as housewives, giving a voice to the struggles faced by women during the post-World War II era.
4. Friedan argued that society's expectations were limiting women's potential and advocated for broader opportunities in education and career advancement.
5. She was a key figure in campaigns for issues such as equal pay, access to contraception, and legal abortion, which shaped the modern feminist movement.

Review Questions

• How did Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' influence women's roles in American society during the 1960s?
  • 'The Feminine Mystique' influenced women's roles by challenging traditional views that confined them to homemaking and motherhood. Friedan's exploration of women's dissatisfaction prompted many to seek personal fulfillment outside these roles, leading to a greater push for gender equality. This shift played a crucial role in the emergence of second wave feminism, inspiring women to pursue education and careers.
• Discuss the impact of Betty Friedan's activism on the National Organization for Women (NOW) and its objectives.
  • Betty Friedan's activism was pivotal in establishing NOW as a leading voice for women's rights in the 1960s. The organization aimed to address various issues including workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and legal equality. Under Friedan's leadership, NOW became a powerful platform for advocating policy changes and mobilizing women across the country to fight for their rights.
• Evaluate how Betty Friedan’s contributions to feminism reshaped public perceptions of women's roles in both domestic and professional spheres.
  • Betty Friedan's contributions significantly reshaped public perceptions of women's roles by bringing attention to the limitations imposed by traditional gender norms. Her work encouraged a dialogue around women's dissatisfaction with domestic life and highlighted their aspirations for equal opportunities in education and employment. This shift in perception led to broader societal changes, including increased acceptance of women in the workforce, legislative advancements in gender equality, and a reevaluation of women's identity beyond domestic responsibilities.

Related terms

The Feminine Mystique: A 1963 book by Betty Friedan that criticized the societal expectation for women to find fulfillment solely through homemaking and motherhood.

National Organization for Women (NOW): A feminist organization co-founded by Betty Friedan in 1966 that aimed to advocate for women's rights and push for equality in various sectors.

Second Wave Feminism: A period of feminist activity from the 1960s to the 1980s that focused on issues of equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination.