45 pages • 1 hour read
The Feminine Mystique
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Book Brief
592
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1960s
1963
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan explores the widespread unhappiness of women in the 1950s and 1960s, which stems from societal pressure to conform to restrictive roles as wives and mothers. The book examines the causes and effects of this “feminine mystique” through various chapters, covering media influences, academia, and advertising, ultimately advocating for women's self-actualization and broader social participation. The book contains discussions on sexism and the marginalization of various demographics within society.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Inspirational
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
30,947 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique is hailed for its groundbreaking critique of the 1960s' feminine domestic ideal and its role in sparking second-wave feminism. Critics commend its compelling narrative and deep analysis, though some argue the work overlooks minority women's struggles. Overall, it remains a pivotal text in feminist history.
Who Should Read The Feminine Mystique?
A reader who would enjoy The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan is likely interested in women's rights, history, and social progress. They may also appreciate works like The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir or A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft that explore feminism and gender equality.
30,947 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud
A controversial figure whose theories of psychoanalysis, particularly concerning women, were critically examined and partially refuted by Friedan in her work.
Margaret Mead
Margaret Mead
An anthropologist whose work on cultural norms and gender roles was scrutinized by Friedan, who challenged Mead's views about women's roles in society.
Alfred Kinsey
Alfred Kinsey
A sexologist renowned for the Kinsey Reports, whose findings on women's education and sexual fulfillment were both updated in his research and addressed by Friedan.
592
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1960s
1963
Adult
18+ years
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