Betty Friedan, American author and activist (b. 1921)

Betty Friedan, born on February 4, 1921, and passing on her birthday, February 4, 2006, was an extraordinarily influential American feminist writer and activist. Renowned as a pivotal figure in the women's movement within the United States, her groundbreaking 1963 book, The Feminine Mystique, is widely acknowledged as the catalyst that ignited the second wave of American feminism in the 20th century. This seminal work gave voice to the pervasive dissatisfaction among many American women, particularly homemakers, who felt trapped by societal expectations that limited their roles to domesticity. Friedan famously articulated this pervasive, yet often unspoken, feeling as "the problem that has no name," sparking a national conversation about women's desire for personal fulfillment beyond traditional roles.

Her commitment to advancing women's rights extended beyond her influential writing into direct action and institutional change. In 1966, Friedan played a crucial role as a co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and was elected its inaugural president. NOW's core mission, passionately articulated by Friedan, was to integrate women "into the mainstream of American society now [in] fully equal partnership with men." Under her leadership, NOW actively campaigned against sex discrimination in employment, advocated for reproductive freedom, and pushed for comprehensive political and economic equality, quickly becoming a formidable voice for women's rights across the nation.

Demonstrating her capacity for large-scale mobilization, Friedan organized the nationwide Women's Strike for Equality on August 26, 1970, after concluding her term as NOW's first president. This significant event deliberately coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote—a day now recognized annually as Women's Equality Day. The strike, advocating for equal opportunity in employment, education, and political participation, alongside demands for abortion rights and universal childcare, proved a remarkable success. Its impact far exceeded initial expectations, significantly broadening public awareness and support for the burgeoning feminist movement. The march she led in New York City alone drew an impressive crowd of over 50,000 participants, highlighting the widespread resonance of the movement's goals.

Friedan continued her advocacy by helping to establish the National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC) in 1971, alongside other prominent feminists. The NWPC aimed to increase women's participation in the political process, encouraging women to run for office and supporting candidates committed to women's issues. A steadfast proponent of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the United States Constitution, Friedan strongly supported its passage through Congress. Following intense pressure from women's groups, notably NOW, in the early 1970s, the ERA successfully passed the United States House of Representatives by an overwhelming vote of 354–24 and the Senate by 84–8. Subsequent to its Congressional passage, Friedan actively campaigned for the ERA's ratification in individual states, viewing it as essential for enshrining gender equality into law. While the ERA ultimately fell short of the required state ratifications for its time, debates over its status continue to this day.

Friedan's dedication extended to other critical women's rights reforms. She founded the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL), reflecting her belief in reproductive freedom. However, she later became a notable critic of what she perceived as an overemphasis on abortion rights by some liberal feminists. Friedan believed that an exclusive focus on abortion could narrow the feminist agenda, alienating potential allies and overshadowing broader issues of economic equality, work-life balance, and equal partnership between men and women.

Recognized as an influential author and intellectual throughout the United States, Betty Friedan remained deeply involved in politics and advocacy well into the late 1990s, ultimately authoring six books. From as early as the 1960s, she vocalized her critiques of what she viewed 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, offering a nuanced perspective on the evolving feminist movement. In it, Friedan critiqued what she considered the "extremist excesses" of some feminists, arguing for a more inclusive approach that recognized the complexities of women's lives, including their relationships with men and families, and sought solutions that benefited all members of society, not just women. She advocated for a feminism that moved beyond initial liberation goals to build new social structures supporting both women's careers and family lives, emphasizing collaboration and shared responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Betty Friedan

Who was Betty Friedan and what is her historical significance?

Betty Friedan was a leading American feminist writer and activist (1921–2006). She is widely celebrated for sparking the second wave of American feminism with her influential 1963 book, The Feminine Mystique, and for co-founding the National Organization for Women (NOW).

What was The Feminine Mystique about?

The Feminine Mystique explored the pervasive dissatisfaction felt by many American women, particularly suburban homemakers, in the post-World War II era. Friedan labeled this widespread discontent "the problem that has no name," arguing that societal pressures confined women to roles that stifled their personal and professional aspirations beyond the domestic sphere.

What role did Betty Friedan play in the National Organization for Women (NOW)?

Betty Friedan was a co-founder of NOW in 1966 and served as its first president. She helped establish NOW's foundational goals, which included achieving full equality for women in American society, addressing discrimination in employment, and advocating for women's reproductive rights and political participation.

What was the Women's Strike for Equality?

The Women's Strike for Equality was a nationwide demonstration organized by Betty Friedan on August 26, 1970. Held on the 50th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, it demanded equal opportunities in work and education, as well as access to childcare and abortion rights, successfully drawing widespread attention to feminist issues.

Did Betty Friedan support the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)?

Yes, Betty Friedan was a strong advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment. She actively campaigned for its passage through Congress and subsequently for its ratification by individual states, believing it was crucial for establishing legal gender equality in the United States.

What were Betty Friedan's criticisms of the feminist movement?

Betty Friedan was critical of what she saw as extreme or polarized factions within feminism. In her later works, particularly The Second Stage (1981), she expressed concerns that an exclusive focus on issues like abortion, or an adversarial stance towards men or homemakers, could alienate potential supporters and detract from the broader goals of achieving comprehensive equality and societal integration for women.