Betty Friedan

Question 1

Book?

Answer 1

The feminine mystique (1963)

Question 2

Friedan’s repututation as liberal and a feminist was underlined by?

Answer 2

• She always rejected violence to get change
• Acknowledged the priciples of the US constitution and endorsed its capacity to allow continuous improvement
• Rejected radical feminism

Question 3

Human nature?

Answer 3

HN has evolved in a way that discourages self-advancement among women

Question 4

The state?

Answer 4

• The state should legislate to prevent continued discrimination against female individuals
• Insisted individuals should be free to seek control over their own lives and the full realisation of their potential

Question 5

Society?

Answer 5

• Argued illberal attitudes condemned women in society, not human nature
• Aruged these attitudes are transmitted via society’s various ‘cultural channels’ e.g. schools, organised religions

Question 6

Economy?

Answer 6

Free market capitalism could be an ally of female emancipation, if allied to legislation precluding sexual discrimination