Betty Friedan
Biography of Betty Friedan
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Betty Naomi Goldstein Friedan
Common Aliases: Betty Friedan
Birth and Death Dates
Born: February 4, 1921
Died: February 4, 2006
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Author, Activist, Feminist, Journalist
Early Life and Background
Betty Friedan was born Betty Naomi Goldstein in Peoria, Illinois, to Jewish parents. Her father, Harry Goldstein, was a jeweler, and her mother, Miriam, was a former women's page editor at a local newspaper. This early exposure to journalism and writing would later influence Friedan's career. She excelled academically, attending Smith College, where she graduated summa cum laude in 1942 with a degree in psychology. Friedan continued her education at the University of California, Berkeley, for a year of graduate work, but she left academia to pursue a career in journalism in New York City.
Major Accomplishments
Betty Friedan is best known for her groundbreaking work in the feminist movement, particularly through her book, "The Feminine Mystique," published in 1963. This book is credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States by challenging the traditional roles of women in society. Friedan's work highlighted the dissatisfaction of many housewives who felt unfulfilled by their limited roles in the domestic sphere. Her ability to articulate these feelings resonated with countless women, leading to widespread social change.
In addition to her literary contributions, Friedan was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966, where she served as its first president. Under her leadership, NOW advocated for equal rights legislation, including the Equal Rights Amendment, and fought against gender discrimination in the workplace and education.
Notable Works or Actions
"The Feminine Mystique" remains Friedan's most influential work, selling millions of copies and being translated into numerous languages. The book's impact was profound, as it gave voice to the silent frustrations of women across America and encouraged them to seek greater opportunities beyond traditional domestic roles.
Friedan's activism extended beyond her writing. As a leader in the feminist movement, she organized the Women's Strike for Equality in 1970, marking the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage in the United States. This event drew national attention and highlighted issues such as equal pay, abortion rights, and childcare.
Impact and Legacy
Betty Friedan's impact on society is immeasurable. Her work laid the foundation for the modern feminist movement, challenging societal norms and advocating for gender equality. Friedan's efforts contributed to significant legislative changes, including the passage of Title IX, which prohibits gender discrimination in education, and the establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Friedan's legacy is also evident in the continued relevance of her ideas. Her writings and activism inspired generations of women to pursue careers, education, and personal fulfillment beyond traditional expectations. The conversations she started about gender roles and equality continue to influence discussions on feminism and women's rights today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Betty Friedan is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to articulate the unspoken frustrations of women in the mid-20th century. Her insights into the "problem that has no name" resonated with countless individuals, sparking a movement that transformed societal views on gender roles. Friedan's quotes often reflect her commitment to equality and her belief in the potential of women to achieve greatness beyond societal constraints.
Her legacy as a pioneering feminist and advocate for women's rights ensures that her words remain relevant and powerful. Friedan's work continues to inspire those who seek to challenge inequality and advocate for social change, making her a lasting figure in the history of feminism and a source of inspiration for future generations.
Quotes by Betty Friedan
Betty Friedan's insights on:
The women's movement has for years been the scapegoat for the rage of threatened, insecure housewives who can no longer count on husbands for lifelong support.
We seem just now to live in a period of human history when both the rate and/or manifestations of aging are undergoing marked and rapid changes.
And in the last decade what had seemed normal and irreversible aging decline has, in fact, been reversed with changes in diet, exercise, lifestyle, and environment.
Women who 'adjust' as housewives, who grow up wanting to be 'just a housewife,' are in as much danger as the millions who walked to their own death in the concentration camps ... they ate suffering a slow death of mind and spirit.
I can’t point to any major episodes of sexual discrimination in my early life. But I was so aware of the crime, the shame that there was no use of my mother’s ability and energy.
I realized that what I was saying was threatening, somehow, to the editors of women’s magazines. That it threatened the very world they were trying to paint, what I then called the “feminine mystique.”
Diversity has got to be a part of modern feminism, and I think that my feminism is stronger because its an inclusive thing. I won’t be backed into a corner that polarizes me against other women. And I wished they wouldn’t be either.
I would have much rather been in the jalopy with the kids, going to Hunt’s for hamburgers. But, when I entered high school, all my friends got into sororities and fraternities and I didn’t.