In Summary, Why is Betty Friedan Important to American History?

The Legacy of Betty Friedan

Betty Friedan's legacy continues beyond the publication and success of The Feminine Mystique, as she not only started the conversation around gender inequality but also helped transform women's private struggles into a larger movement geared towards both social and political change. She encouraged and empowered women all over the country to pursue degrees, meaningful careers, and their own identities, instead of the traditional belief that a woman's happiness could only be found in marriage and motherhood. She helped set up organized activism by co-founding the National Organization for Women to further advocate for equality in the workplace and reproductive freedom. Friedan helped many women come to the conclusion that they haven't been living their lives for themselves, but to uphold whatever expectations society has placed on them. She remains important to American history as her writing and activism tremendously supported the rise of the second-wave feminist movement and helped reshape society's expectations of women. Although her work is primarily focused on the experiences of white, middle-class women and doesn't take into account any other experiences, like those belonging to women of color, LGBTQ, or those in poverty, her influence led to lasting effects on women's education, employment, and expectations. Her legacy is still significant today as she contributed to the opportunities and freedoms that women currently have. Without Friedan, we may not have the same opportunities or room for expansion that exist today. She demonstrated that personal struggles could reflect the greater issues affecting society overall and how important it is to publicly discuss these issues in order to create change within the country.