Idealized Image of Housewife
“The suburban housewife—she was the dream image of the young American women and the envy, it was said, of women all over the world. The American housewife—freed by science and labor-saving appliances from the drudgery, the dangers of childbirth and the illnesses of her grandmother. She was healthy, beautiful, educated, concerned only about her husband, her children, her home. She had found true feminine fulfillment. As a housewife and mother, she was respected as a full and equal partner to man in his world. She was free to choose automobiles, clothes, appliances, supermarkets; she had everything that women ever dreamed of.”
Identify the author and document from the assigned primary sources as best you can. Discuss the context and significance of the passage. What does the passage reveal about the author and/or time period that produced it? Your answer should be two to three paragraphs long.
The passage is from Betty Friedan’s book “The Feminine Mystique,” published in 1963. Friedan was an American feminist writer and activist, who is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States. “The Feminine Mystique” is considered a groundbreaking book in feminist literature, as it challenged the traditional roles of women in American society and highlighted the frustrations and dissatisfaction of many women with their lives as housewives and mothers.
The passage reveals the cultural norms and expectations of the time period, particularly with regards to gender roles and the idealized image of the suburban housewife. It reflects the prevalent belief that a woman’s place was in the home, and that her sole purpose was to serve her husband and children. This view was reinforced by scientific and technological advancements, which were seen as liberating women from the drudgery of household chores and childbearing.
Friedan’s book, and this passage in particular, challenged these ideas and exposed the limitations and frustrations of the so-called “feminine mystique.” It sparked a national conversation about women’s rights and paved the way for the feminist movement. The passage reveals the author’s feminist perspective and her belief in the need for women to have access to the same opportunities and freedoms as men.