Main / Authors

Betty Friedan - Biography

Friedan Biography - The Life and Work of the Great American Feminist and Author of "The Second Half"

Betty is a name that has become a symbol of the struggle for gender equality and women's rights. She was one of the most influential American feminists, writers and journalists of her time, and her work and activism had a profound impact on the women's rights movement and the sociocultural paradigm. In this biography, we look at the life and work of Betty Friedan, her contributions to literature and the social struggle for gender equality.

Betty was born on February 4, 1921 in Beijing, Illinois, to Jewish immigrants. She graduated at Smith College and then went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied psychology. Her education was the basis for her future career in journalism and literature.

Betty began her career as a journalist and writer, working for various publications, including "Smollerin Mercury" ("Smith Alumnae Quarterly") and "Elmhurst College Bulletin" ("Elmira College Bulletin"). However, the real turning point was her work in the journal "Good Housekeeping," where she began to post her articles and research on the lives of American women.

In 1963, Betty Friedan published her book The Feminine Mystique, which became a bestseller and caused a huge resonance. In this book, she analyzed "feminine mysticism" - the cultural and social expectation that women should limit themselves solely to family and household responsibilities. She argued that this expectation suppressed women and limited their potential.

The Second Half has become a cornerstone in the women's rights movement and is considered an important step towards female emancipation. The book inspired women to challenge stereotypes and find their own self-awareness and self-determination.