Question

Name the author of the book shown above. Explain any three ways in which it sparked off the Second Wave of American Feminism in the 20^th century.

Answer 1

The author of ‘The Feminine Mystique’ is Betty Friedan.

Three ways in which it sparked off the Second Wave of American Feminism in the 20th century are:

1. Exposure of “The Problem That Has No Name”: Friedan identified the pervasive dissatisfaction among American women, who were restricted to conventional roles as mothers and housewives. She referred to this as “the problem that has no name” and maintained that women required opportunities for employment, education, and self-actualisation.
2. Critique of Gender Roles: The book challenged the traditional view that women should find happiness only through domestic life. It encouraged women to challenge established gender rules and pursue equality in all aspects of life.
3. Inspiration for Feminist Activism: The Feminine Mystique motivated women to organise and demand equal rights. In 1966, feminist groups formed, including the National Organisation for Women (NOW), to advocate for equal pay, reproductive rights, and workplace equality.