The Feminine Mystique

Friedan offers several suggestions for what American society must do to reverse the harmful effects of the feminine mystique. To help women see that a different kind of life is possible, she offers examples of women who have chosen vibrant lives with careers and activities that allow them to develop identities independent of their families, ranging from white-collar work to artistic pursuits like painting or music. “The first step,” she writes, “is to see housework for what it is—not a career, but something that must be done as quickly and efficiently as possible” (413). Women must also understand their husbands as life partners, not as people who can supply them with an identity.

Next, Friedan advocates for careers for women, but not just any careers; women must look for work “equal to their actual capacity” (416), in contrast to many of the activities housewives use to kill time. Another pillar of Friedan’s vision is increased incentive for women to attain full, rigorous post-secondary education. She suggests legislation similar to the post-World War II GI Bill that would offer financial support to women who pursue higher education. Further, colleges and universities must stop the unfair practice of barring part-time coursework, as this makes it virtually impossible for women with children to attend classes.