The Feminine Mystique - Betty Friedan

The book that ignited a movement

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan is widely recognized as the catalyst for second-wave feminism. First published in 1963, this powerful work shattered the illusion of the “happy housewife” and gave voice to the deep dissatisfaction many women felt living within the constraints of domestic life in postwar America.

A voice for the voiceless

Drawing on interviews, surveys, and cultural critique, Friedan exposes “the problem that has no name”—the inner frustration and unfulfilled potential of countless educated women confined to home life. Her work sparked national debate and encouraged women to seek fulfillment beyond the roles of wife and mother.

Main Themes of the Book

• The myth of female fulfillment through domesticity
• Gender roles and identity in mid-20th-century America
• The origins and effects of systemic sexism
• Awakening of political consciousness in women
• The roots of second-wave feminism

Why you should read this book

• A foundational text in modern feminist thought
• Offers critical insight into the history of gender inequality
• Challenges societal norms still relevant today
• A compelling blend of research, storytelling, and cultural analysis
• Part of the Penguin Modern Classics collection – timeless and essential

The Feminine Mystique remains a must-read for anyone interested in gender studies, social history, or feminism. Betty Friedan’s eloquent and passionate critique of systemic inequality continues to inspire readers, reminding us of the power of speaking out and reshaping the world.