The rise of second-wave feminism in the United States marked a transformative era for women’s rights, expanding the goals of earlier feminists and reaching into social, political, and economic spheres of life. This movement, which gained momentum in the early 1960s and continued through the 1980s, was defined by its desire to address not only legal inequalities but also systemic discrimination, gender roles, and cultural representation. At the center of this powerful social revolution stood Betty Friedan, whose groundbreaking work helped articulate the frustrations of countless American women and launch a new chapter in the struggle for gender equality.
The Roots of Second-Wave Feminism
Second-wave feminism emerged from a post-World War II society that placed women back into traditional domestic roles after a brief period of economic independence and industrial labor during the war. Despite increased education and workforce participation, many women found themselves constrained by social expectations that limited their personal and professional aspirations. These conditions laid the foundation for a new feminist movement, one that would go beyond legal rights and aim to challenge deeper structural and cultural norms.
Continuity and Contrast with First-Wave Feminism
First-wave feminism, culminating in the early 20th century, had primarily focused on women’s suffrage and legal recognition. In contrast, second-wave feminism sought to critique broader societal structures that maintained patriarchal dominance. Activists wanted to redefine women’s roles in the workplace, in the home, and in relationships, while also advocating for issues like reproductive rights, workplace equality, and protection against domestic violence.
Betty Friedan and The Feminine Mystique
One of the pivotal moments in the launch of second-wave feminism was the publication of Betty Friedan’s seminal book,The Feminine Mystique, in 1963. Friedan, a journalist and mother, had grown increasingly disillusioned with the widespread societal belief that women could only find fulfillment through homemaking and child-rearing. Her research and writing challenged what she called the problem that has no name the widespread dissatisfaction among suburban housewives despite living in material comfort.
Impact of The Feminine Mystique
Friedan’s book resonated with millions of women who felt isolated and stifled in their traditional roles. She argued that American culture had convinced women to embrace a narrow vision of femininity that denied their intellectual and emotional capacities. The book was a catalyst, sparking discussions in homes, schools, and workplaces, and propelling the issue of women’s liberation into mainstream conversation.
- It sold over 3 million copies.
- It was translated into multiple languages.
- It is widely regarded as a cornerstone of second-wave feminist thought.
Founding of the National Organization for Women (NOW)
In 1966, Betty Friedan helped found the National Organization for Women (NOW), an advocacy group that aimed to promote equal rights and challenge systemic discrimination. She served as its first president and helped establish its goals, which included enforcing anti-discrimination laws, promoting reproductive freedom, and increasing female representation in politics and the workforce.
NOW’s Influence on Policy and Public Awareness
Under Friedan’s leadership, NOW became a powerful force in pushing for legislative change. The organization lobbied for the enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of sex, and later supported the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), although the amendment ultimately failed to be ratified. Friedan and her colleagues also emphasized the need for federally funded child care and family leave policies that would support working mothers.
Criticism and Internal Debates
While Friedan played an instrumental role in shaping second-wave feminism, her work was not without criticism. Some feminists accused her of focusing too much on the problems of white, middle-class, educated women while ignoring the experiences of working-class women, women of color, and lesbians. Indeed, the feminist movement of the 1970s began to splinter as different groups sought to prioritize issues relevant to their unique social positions.
Intersectionality and Broader Inclusion
In later years, the feminist movement became increasingly inclusive, recognizing the importance of race, class, and sexuality in shaping women’s experiences. Though Friedan initially resisted some of these expansions, particularly the inclusion of lesbian rights, the broader second-wave feminist movement ultimately evolved to embrace a more intersectional understanding of oppression and equality.
Legacy of Betty Friedan and Second-Wave Feminism
The impact of Betty Friedan and second-wave feminism can still be felt today. Many of the rights and opportunities that women enjoy access to higher education, workplace protections, and reproductive healthcare are direct results of the activism and advocacy that emerged during this period. Friedan’s vision inspired countless women to question societal norms and demand more from both public policy and personal relationships.
Enduring Influence in Contemporary Feminism
While today’s feminism often referred to as third-wave or fourth-wave feminism has broadened its focus to include digital activism, LGBTQ+ rights, and global perspectives, it owes much of its foundation to the groundwork laid during the second wave. Betty Friedan’s call for equality continues to echo in debates about pay equity, sexual harassment, and gender roles in modern society.
- Her work encouraged generations of women to pursue careers and education.
- She helped reframe feminism as a mainstream issue, not a fringe ideology.
- She helped unite political activism with personal transformation.
Betty Friedan and the second-wave feminist movement redefined what it meant to be a woman in modern America. By challenging the cultural norms that confined women to narrow domestic roles, Friedan opened the door for deeper conversations about gender, power, and identity. Her efforts helped fuel a movement that expanded women’s rights in profound and lasting ways. Though not without flaws or limitations, her contributions remain essential to understanding the evolution of feminism and the continuing struggle for equality. As society continues to grapple with gender-based disparities, the lessons and legacy of second-wave feminism offer a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of collective action and fearless voices.