The Role of Gender and Power in The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan (1963)

Expanding the Roles:
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan is a groundbreaking work that examines the ways in which societal expectations about women’s roles in post-war America led to a sense of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment among housewives. The book critiques the idealized image of domesticity and the limited roles available to women in the mid-20th century. For literature students, The Feminine Mystique is essential for understanding the intersection of gender, power, and social expectations in shaping the lives of women.

• Gender and Societal Expectations:
  Friedan critiques the societal pressures that confine women to the roles of wives and mothers, arguing that these narrow expectations limit women’s personal growth and fulfillment. Students can explore how Friedan exposes the psychological and emotional toll of these constraints.

• Power and Feminist Liberation:
  The book also calls for women to embrace their full potential beyond traditional gender roles. Literature students can examine how Friedan’s feminist message calls for societal change and empowerment for women, especially in terms of educational and professional opportunities.

What We Learn:
The Feminine Mystique teaches literature students about the role of gender and power in shaping personal identity and societal expectations. The book highlights the need for feminist liberation and the importance of breaking free from societal constraints to embrace personal fulfillment and equality