Betty Friedan and the Making of "The Feminine Mystique": The American Left, the Cold War, and Modern Feminism (Culture, Politics and the Cold War)

"Betty Friedan and the Making of 'The Feminine Mystique': The American Left, the Cold War, and Modern Feminism" dives deep into the origins of Betty Friedan's groundbreaking ideas on gender equality, which have long been attributed solely to her experiences as a suburban housewife. Published on September 27, 2000, this detailed biography by Daniel Horowitz illuminates the depth and complexity of Friedan's activism before the famed 1963 publication. Drawing from an array of new research and Friedan's personal papers, Horowitz traces her feminist awakening back to her formative years in Peoria, Illinois, her academic tenure at Smith College and Berkeley, and her influential work with radical labor journals. This book not only reshapes our understanding of Friedan's contributions to modern feminism but also reconnects the "second wave" to its radical roots, making it a compelling read for those in adult education programs interested in gender equality and economic justice. This exploration invites readers to reflect on how past struggles shape current social justice movements, urging a deeper appreciation and continued advocacy for equality.