A Macat analysis of Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique

by Elizabeth D. Whitaker

Born in 1921, Betty Friedan was an American psychology graduate, political activist, journalist, wife, and mother, who challenged the vision 1950s America had of itself as a nation of happy housewives in contented families.

In 1963’s The Feminine Mystique, she identified “the problem that has no name” afflicting women pressured to devote themselves to domestic life. After World War II, society fostered the idea that women wanted different things to men—namely, to run a home and live through the achievements of a husband and children. In reality, rigid gender roles left housewives frustrated and depressed and caused tensions both in their marriages and in how couples raised their children. Friedan’s answer was to allow women equal opportunities to learn, work, and grow, so all people could enjoy better relationships.

While conservatives scorned Friedan’s ideas, they nonetheless struck a chord with millions of Americans and helped reignite the US feminist movement in the 1960s, leading to both legal and social change.

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2016

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s like a refresher course on the book. Nice. Fast read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don´t really like it (4 stars). I thought it was ok (2 stars), but I did not want to screw up its rating because I was not sure of the purpose of the book. It seems like a workbook? Because it was so repetitive and every time it repeated itself, it gave a little bit more information. Not a book to read or listen to as an introduction to The Feminine Mystique either. Maybe a better option after reading the actual book.

[Alexandria Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’ve read more criticism of Friedan than I have actually read any neutral or positive reviews of her book and work. I grew up in a conservative Christian family and world which always likes to label feminism as one of the boogeymen (or boogeywomen haha) of society. What started the downfall of America ? Feminism, of course. lol. Anyway, what is so interesting is that so many things I was told about Friedan aren’t true. Definitely recommend this analysis!

[Apple Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absoletely wonderful.this book is the most pretty in the world.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick analysis/refresher of book

[Mindy]

I feel like I could have gotten most of the same information from the Wikipedia page on The Feminine Mystique in a lot less time.