The Feminine Mystique

Dive into "The Feminine Mystique," a groundbreaking exploration of women's roles and rights that continues to resonate since its publication in 1963. This seminal work by Betty Friedan meticulously unpacks "the problem that has no name," revealing the societal structures that diminished women’s self-esteem and confined them to domestic life. Writing at a time when most women married young and academic aspirations were often abandoned for matrimony, Friedan’s analysis ignited the frustrations and suppressed ambitions of an entire generation. This classic not only chronicles these personal and collective struggles but also serves as a manifesto encouraging women to reclaim their lives. The 50th-anniversary edition, enriched with an afterword by Anna Quindlen and a new introduction by Gail Collins, offers contemporary perspectives enhancing this enduring work’s relevance. Ideal for adult education settings, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the roots and evolution of the gender equality movement.