Betty Naomi Friedan (1921-2006) was an American writer, feminist activist, and one of the key figures in the second-wave feminist movement. She played a pivotal role in reshaping societal perceptions of women in the mid-20th century.
Born on February 4, 1921, in Peoria, Illinois, Friedan earned a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Smith College and later a Master's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. It was during her time as a housewife and mother that Friedan began to question and challenge the prevailing societal norms and expectations placed on women.
Her groundbreaking book, "The Feminine Mystique," published in 1963, became an instant bestseller and a landmark work in feminist literature. Friedan criticized the idea that women's primary purpose in life was to be wives and mothers, arguing that women deserved greater opportunities and autonomy. She attributed the discontentment and emotional distress experienced by many suburban housewives to the stifling expectations imposed upon them.
Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, serving as its first president. Through NOW, she advocated for equal rights, access to education and employment, and reproductive rights for women. Her relentless activism helped pave the way for significant advancements in women's rights, including the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which outlawed sex discrimination.
Betty Friedan's work and dedication as a writer, advocate, and organizer continue to inspire generations of women and have had a lasting impact on the fight for gender equality.
