14 Facts About Betty Friedan

Early Life and Education

Betty Friedan, a name synonymous with the feminist movement, had a fascinating early life that shaped her future activism.

1. Born on February 4, 1921, in Peoria, Illinois, Friedan was originally named Bettye Naomi Goldstein.
2. Her father, Harry Goldstein, was a jeweler, while her mother, Miriam, was a journalist who later became a housewife.
3. Friedan attended Smith College, where she majored in psychology and graduated summa cum laude in 1942.
4. She briefly attended the University of California, Berkeley, for graduate studies but left to become a journalist.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a leading feminist voice, Friedan had a career in journalism that laid the groundwork for her later work.

5. Friedan worked for the Federated Press, a leftist news service, and later for UE News, the publication of the United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America.
6. She was fired from UE News in 1952 for being pregnant with her second child, an experience that influenced her views on women's roles in society.

The Feminine Mystique

Friedan's groundbreaking book, "The Feminine Mystique," is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States.

7. Published in 1963, "The Feminine Mystique" challenged the notion that women could only find fulfillment through homemaking and motherhood.
8. The book sold over three million copies and was translated into several languages, making Friedan an international figure.
9. Friedan coined the term "the problem that has no name" to describe the dissatisfaction many housewives felt in their traditional roles.

Activism and Organizations

Friedan didn't just write about feminism; she actively worked to change the status quo.

10. In 1966, Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), serving as its first president.
11. She played a significant role in organizing the Women's Strike for Equality in 1970, which marked the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage in the United States.
12. Friedan also helped establish the National Women's Political Caucus in 1971, aiming to increase women's participation in politics.

Later Life and Legacy

Friedan continued to be a prominent voice for women's rights until her death.

13. She wrote several more books, including "The Second Stage" in 1981, which addressed the challenges women faced in balancing career and family.
14. Friedan passed away on her 85th birthday, February 4, 2006, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire feminists worldwide.

The Lasting Impact of Betty Friedan

Betty Friedan's influence on the feminist movement can't be overstated. Her book, "The Feminine Mystique," sparked a revolution, challenging societal norms and empowering women to seek more than just traditional roles. Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), pushing for gender equality in the workplace, education, and beyond. Her advocacy for the Equal Rights Amendment and reproductive rights left a lasting legacy.

Friedan's work didn't just change laws; it changed minds. She encouraged women to voice their dissatisfaction and demand change. Her efforts paved the way for future generations to continue the fight for equality. Betty Friedan's contributions to feminism remain a cornerstone of the movement, reminding us that progress often starts with a single voice willing to challenge the status quo. Her legacy lives on in the ongoing struggle for gender equality.