19 February 1963

The publication of Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique reawakens the feminist movement in the United States as women’s organizations and consciousness raising groups spread.

Betty Friedan’s book “The Feminine Mystique” is considered a groundbreaking work in the feminist movement and is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States.

Published in 1963, “The Feminine Mystique” is a critical analysis of the ideal of femininity that prevailed in American culture at the time. Friedan argued that this ideal, which emphasized the importance of marriage, motherhood, and domesticity, was not fulfilling for many women and often left them feeling empty and unfulfilled.

Friedan’s book resonated with many women who had been struggling with similar feelings of dissatisfaction and helped to create a sense of collective consciousness among women that their experiences were not unique but rather shared by many others.

“The Feminine Mystique” was also significant because it challenged the prevailing notion that women’s place was in the home and that their primary role was to be wives and mothers. Friedan argued that women were capable of much more than just domestic work and that they should have the same opportunities as men to pursue their interests and careers.

Overall, “The Feminine Mystique” was a catalyst for the women’s liberation movement and helped to shift societal attitudes towards gender roles and women’s rights. Its impact can still be felt today, as its message of empowerment and equality for women continues to inspire and inform feminist activism around the world.