45 pages • 1 hour read
Betty FriedanThe Feminine Mystique
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1963A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan explores the widespread unhappiness of women in the 1950s and 1960s, which stems from societal pressure to conform to restrictive roles as wives and mothers. The book examines the causes and effects of this “feminine mystique” through various chapters, covering media influences, academia, and advertising, ultimately advocating for women's self-actualization and broader social participation. The book contains discussions on sexism and the marginalization of various demographics within society.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique is hailed for its groundbreaking critique of the 1960s' feminine domestic ideal and its role in sparking second-wave feminism. Critics commend its compelling narrative and deep analysis, though some argue the work overlooks minority women's struggles. Overall, it remains a pivotal text in feminist history.
Who Should Read The Feminine Mystique?
A reader who would enjoy The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan is likely interested in women's rights, history, and social progress. They may also appreciate works like The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir or A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft that explore feminism and gender equality.