In 1963's The Feminine Mystique, Betty Friedan challenged the vision 1950s America had of itself as a nation of happy housewives and contented families. After World War II, society had fostered the idea that women wanted to run a home and live through the achievements of a husband and children. But in reality, Friedan argued, rigid gender roles left housewives frustrated and depressed and caused tensions both in their marriages and parenting. Friedan's answer was to allow women equal opportunities to learn, work, and grow, so all people could enjoy better relationships. Her ideas helped reignite the US feminist movement in the 1960s, leading to both legal and social change.
1 of 1 copy available
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Creators
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Series
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Publisher
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Release date
August 31, 2017 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781912128884
- File size: 57083 KB
- Duration: 01:58:55
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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More than 45 years ago, Friedan examined the role of women in American society, focusing on the disconnect between the rosy, commonly accepted picture of what makes women content and the reality of the unhappiness created by the expectations of the time. Parker Posey narrates this seminal work with serious resolve. For the bulk of the book, Posey is subdued and restrained as she presents Friedan's argument that women themselves go through life restrained--restrained by society's dictates. The final chapters present proposals for how women can move out of the narrow bounds to which they have been confined--to obtain college degrees and find meaningful careers. Through her strong pace in this part of the book, Posey projects Friedan's belief in the possibilities of the future. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine
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