Revisiting The Feminine Mystique

Abstract

Reviews the book, The Feminine Mystique, 50th Anniversary Edition (with an Introduction by Gail Collins and an Afterword by Anna Quindlen) by Betty Friedan (2013). What was it about the book that alerted women to the multiple ideologies and practices in the society that were causing them such distress as chronic boredom, alcoholism, obsessive sexual behavior, and drug dependence? The Feminine Mystique described the theories and ideologies that stalled women's movement into the workforce (which had accelerated during World War II when they were recruited into many nontraditional jobs for women to replace men who entered the armed forces). The book argued against cultural mandates that it was best both for women and the society for them to leave the workplace at marriage, become housewives and mothers of multiple children, and support their husbands' careers (but not have careers of their own). Friedan's book was published in the middle of a newspaper strike in New York and therefore was not immediately reviewed. Nevertheless, it gathered steam by word of mouth, engaged an audience of tens of thousands of American women, and gave visibility to Friedan countrywide. As many have commented, Friedan tore away the myths supporting inequality and thus changed the paradigm. In so doing, she changed our lives. In the field of human events, there is no higher achievement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)