Births on February 4

Betty Friedan, American author and feminist (d. 2006)

Betty Friedan (February 4, 1921 – February 4, 2006) was an profoundly influential American feminist writer, activist, and intellectual whose work significantly shaped the trajectory of the women's rights movement in the United States. Her profound contributions extended from sparking a pivotal social awakening to co-founding key organizations dedicated to gender equality.

The Feminine Mystique: Igniting Second-Wave Feminism

Friedan's seminal 1963 book, The Feminine Mystique, is widely acclaimed for catalyzing the second wave of American feminism in the 20th century. This groundbreaking work extensively explored "the problem that has no name"—a pervasive sense of unfulfillment and despair experienced by many American women, particularly educated middle-class housewives, who felt confined by traditional societal expectations and domestic roles despite seemingly having everything.

Through incisive interviews and psychological analysis, Friedan illuminated how societal pressures to conform to a narrow image of domestic bliss stifled women's intellectual and professional aspirations. The book resonated with millions, empowering women to question their circumstances and seek lives beyond the confines of the home, thereby laying the intellectual foundation for widespread feminist activism and discourse.

Founding the National Organization for Women (NOW)

In 1966, Betty Friedan played a pivotal role in co-founding the National Organization for Women (NOW), an organization she also served as its first elected president. NOW's foundational mission was ambitious: to integrate women fully "into the mainstream of American society now [in] fully equal partnership with men." This comprehensive vision aimed to challenge discrimination in various spheres, including the workplace, education, and political life, advocating for legislative change and public awareness to achieve genuine gender equality. NOW rapidly became a leading voice for women's rights, employing tactics such as litigation, lobbying, and public protests to achieve its goals.

Leading the Women's Strike for Equality

Stepping down as NOW's president in 1970, Friedan continued her direct activism by organizing the nationwide Women's Strike for Equality. Held on August 26, 1970, this historic event marked the 50th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. The strike served as a powerful declaration that merely having the vote was not enough; women demanded comprehensive equality in all aspects of life.

The strike's core demands included equal opportunity in employment and education, the right to abortion on demand, and the establishment of universal 24-hour childcare. The national turnout surpassed all expectations, demonstrating the burgeoning strength of the feminist movement. In New York City alone, the march led by Friedan attracted over 50,000 participants, a vivid display of solidarity and determination that broadened the movement's public visibility.

Advocacy for the Equal Rights Amendment and Other Reforms

In 1971, Friedan joined other prominent feminists in establishing the National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC), an organization dedicated to increasing women's participation in the political process and electing pro-choice women to office. She was also a fervent advocate for the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the United States Constitution, which aimed to guarantee legal gender equality for all citizens by stating that "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex."

Following intense lobbying and advocacy by women's groups, notably NOW, the ERA successfully passed the United States House of Representatives by a significant vote of 354–24 and the Senate by 84–8 in the early 1970s. Friedan tirelessly championed the amendment's ratification by individual states, viewing it as crucial for dismantling discriminatory laws and practices nationwide. Her commitment extended to other crucial women's rights reforms; she founded the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL), advocating for reproductive freedom. However, she later became a notable critic of what she perceived as the singular "abortion-centered positions" adopted by some liberal feminists, believing that an exclusive focus on abortion might detract from the broader objectives of the women's movement, such as economic equality, workplace fairness, and shared parental responsibilities.

Intellectual Contributions and Nuanced Critiques of Feminism

Regarded as a leading intellectual and author, Betty Friedan remained actively engaged in politics and advocacy until the late 1990s, authoring six books throughout her career. From as early as the 1960s, Friedan consistently voiced concerns about what she saw as polarized and extreme factions within feminism, particularly those that appeared to attack groups such as men or homemakers.

Her 1981 book, The Second Stage, directly addressed these concerns, critiquing what Friedan identified as the "extremist excesses" of certain feminist approaches. She argued for a more inclusive path forward, one that acknowledged the complexities of women's lives, fostered cooperation between genders, and sought practical solutions for equality that benefited both men and women, moving beyond a purely adversarial stance. Friedan's ability to both lead and critically assess the movement made her a unique and enduring figure in the fight for gender equality.

Frequently Asked Questions about Betty Friedan

What was Betty Friedan best known for?

Betty Friedan is primarily known for authoring the influential 1963 book The Feminine Mystique, which is widely credited with igniting the second wave of American feminism, and for co-founding and serving as the first president of the National Organization for Women (NOW).

What was "the problem that has no name" described in The Feminine Mystique?

It referred to the widespread, unspoken sense of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment experienced by many American women, especially suburban housewives, who felt confined by domestic roles and societal expectations despite seemingly having a comfortable life. Friedan argued this lack of purpose led to a quiet desperation.

What was the purpose of the Women's Strike for Equality?

Organized on August 26, 1970, to mark the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage, its purpose was to demand equality beyond the vote, including equal opportunities in employment and education, access to abortion, and the establishment of universal 24-hour childcare facilities.

What was Betty Friedan's stance on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)?

She was a strong supporter and advocate for the ERA, believing it was essential for constitutionally guaranteeing equality of rights under the law regardless of sex, and she actively campaigned for its ratification by the states after its congressional passage.

Why was Betty Friedan critical of some feminists later in her career?

Friedan expressed concerns that some factions of feminism had become too extreme or polarized, attacking men and devaluing traditional roles. In her book The Second Stage, she advocated for a more pragmatic, inclusive approach that sought common ground and practical solutions for equality, rather than focusing solely on gender conflict or single issues like abortion at the expense of broader, systemic change.