Betty Friedan was a women’s rights activist and author in the 20th century. One of her most influential books was The Feminine Mystique, published in 1963. The Feminine Mystique, and Friedan’s other books, drew national attention to the unhappiness of women with their traditional role in society. Betty Friedan changed the American way of life by reviving the feminist movement through writing books and founding organizations which still aid women today. Betty Friedan contributed to society by writing books and helping to found organizations, which brought back feminism. This is shown by “Friedan's book The Feminine Mystique (1963) played a key role in reviving the women's movement, which had remained fragmented and out of the national limelight since the winning of woman suffrage in 1919." (Horowitz). The Feminine Mystique helped to bring the women’s rights movement back to the forefront of civil rights. Friedan also played a large role in founding the National Organization for Women, National Women's Political Caucus, National Association to Repeal Abortion Laws, and NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund (Horowitz). This shows that …show more content…
In her late life, Friedan still worked for women’s rights, decades after The Feminine Mystique revived the women’s rights movement (“Betty Friedan.” Newsmakers.). Another lasting effect is the National Organization for Women, one of the largest and most effective organizations in women’s rights (“Betty Friedan.” Britannica School.). Even today, the NOW is an extremely influential women’s rights organization. Joan Walsh, a journalist for Vogue magazine, wrote in 1993 that the book was relatable to her because it reminded her of her mother’s experiences. (“Betty Friedan.” Newsmakers.) This demonstrates that 30 years after its publication, The Feminine Mystique was still relatable to women. Betty Friedan’s contributions had many lasting