Betty Friedan

Date of Birth: February 4, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: February 4, 2006

Biography

Betty Friedan was a renowned American feminist, activist, and writer. Born Bettye Naomi Goldstein in Peoria, Illinois, she became an influential figure in the women’s rights movement. Friedan’s most notable contribution to the feminist movement is her groundbreaking book, “The Feminine Mystique,” published in 1963. The book is credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States by exploring the dissatisfaction of many housewives with their limited roles in society. Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966 and served as its first president. Her activism extended to other forms of advocacy, including her involvement in the Women’s Strike for Equality in 1970, which campaigned for equal opportunities for women in employment and education. She was also a key figure in the formation of the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971, which aimed to increase women’s participation in politics. Throughout her career, Friedan wrote several other influential books, including “The Second Stage” (1981) and “The Fountain of Age” (1993), addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities for women and aging individuals. Her work and leadership left an indelible mark on the feminist movement and the fight for gender equality.

5 Interesting Facts about Betty Friedan

1. Betty Friedan’s book “The Feminine Mystique” sold over three million copies in its first three years of publication.

2. She was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW), which aimed to bring women into the mainstream of American society.

3. Friedan was instrumental in organizing the Women’s Strike for Equality on August 26, 1970, marking the 50th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.

4. She was a key figure in the establishment of the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971, alongside other feminist leaders like Gloria Steinem and Shirley Chisholm.

5. Friedan’s work extended beyond feminism; her book “The Fountain of Age” challenged stereotypes and addressed the complexities of aging.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Betty Friedan

1. “No woman gets an orgasm from shining the kitchen floor.”

2. “A girl should not expect special privileges because of her sex but neither should she ‘adjust’ to prejudice and discrimination.”

3. “It is easier to live through someone else than to become complete yourself.”

4. “The only way for a woman, as for a man, to find herself, to know herself as a person, is by creative work of her own.”

5. “Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Betty Friedan’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but her influence and earnings from her publications and speaking engagements positioned her comfortably in her later years.