The feminine mystique

Definition

The feminine mystique is a term coined by Betty Friedan in her groundbreaking 1963 book, describing the societal expectation that women should find fulfillment solely through homemaking and motherhood. This concept critiqued the post-World War II ideal of domesticity, arguing that it trapped women in a stifling role and ignored their desires for personal and professional growth. Friedan's work ignited discussions about gender roles and helped lay the groundwork for subsequent movements advocating for women's rights and liberation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique' identified a 'problem that has no name,' referring to the unhappiness many women felt despite living in comfortable suburban homes.
2. The book argued that the idealization of domestic life limited women's potential, causing feelings of dissatisfaction and lack of identity beyond being a wife and mother.
3. Friedan's work was instrumental in raising awareness about women's issues, contributing to the formation of organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966.
4. The feminine mystique challenged not only societal expectations but also the media's portrayal of women, which often reinforced traditional stereotypes.
5. Friedan's ideas paved the way for later feminist thinkers and activists who expanded the conversation around women's rights to include race, class, and sexuality.

Review Questions

• How did Betty Friedan's concept of the feminine mystique critique post-World War II societal expectations for women?
  • Betty Friedan's concept of the feminine mystique critiqued post-World War II societal expectations by highlighting how these norms forced women into roles centered on domesticity and motherhood. Friedan argued that this idealization left many women feeling unfulfilled and trapped, as they were discouraged from pursuing careers or personal aspirations outside the home. By articulating this 'problem that has no name,' she opened up discussions about women's rights and broader social change.
• In what ways did the publication of 'The Feminine Mystique' contribute to the emergence of the Women's Liberation Movement?
  • 'The Feminine Mystique' significantly contributed to the Women's Liberation Movement by providing a powerful critique of traditional gender roles and advocating for women's personal fulfillment. It galvanized many women who resonated with Friedan's observations of dissatisfaction in their lives, leading to greater organization and activism for gender equality. The book not only inspired individuals but also helped form groups dedicated to advancing women's rights, such as the National Organization for Women (NOW), which sought to address systemic inequalities.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of 'The Feminine Mystique' on contemporary discussions about gender roles and women's rights.
  • 'The Feminine Mystique' has had a profound and lasting impact on contemporary discussions about gender roles and women's rights by challenging deeply ingrained societal norms. Friedan's insights have continued to resonate as new generations of feminists address issues like workplace equality, reproductive rights, and intersectionality. By framing women's dissatisfaction as a collective issue rather than an individual problem, Friedan laid the groundwork for ongoing activism aimed at dismantling patriarchy and redefining women's identities beyond traditional expectations. Today, her work remains a foundational text in feminist theory and discourse.

Related terms

Betty Friedan: An American feminist writer and activist whose book 'The Feminine Mystique' challenged traditional gender roles and sparked the second wave of feminism in the 1960s.

Second Wave Feminism: A period of feminist activity beginning in the 1960s that focused on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination.

Gender Roles: Socially constructed roles that dictate the behaviors and responsibilities expected of men and women within society.