Feminine Mystique

"The Feminine Mystique" is a groundbreaking book by Betty Friedan, published in 1963, that explores the dissatisfaction of many American women in the mid-20th century. It argues that societal expectations confined women to roles as housewives and mothers, leading to feelings of unfulfillment and identity loss. Friedan critiques the post-World War II ideal that women should find happiness solely through domesticity. The book sparked the second wave of feminism, encouraging women to seek personal fulfillment, pursue careers, and challenge traditional gender roles, ultimately contributing to significant social changes in women's rights and gender equality.