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.