The Feminist Mystique

"The Feminine Mystique," by Betty Friedan, is a groundbreaking book published in 1963 that challenged the idea that women could only find fulfillment through homemaking and traditional roles. Friedan argued that many women felt unfulfilled and restricted by societal expectations, despite apparent happiness. The book highlighted how societal pressures limited women’s opportunities and personal growth, sparking the second wave of feminism. It encouraged women to pursue education, careers, and personal development, fundamentally changing perceptions of gender roles and advocating for equality and women’s rights in all aspects of life.