Read Chapters 23 And 24 And This Selection From The Feminine
Read Chapters 23 And 24 And This Selection Fromthe Feminine Mystiqueby
Read Chapters 23 and 24 and this selection from The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan: The Problem That Has No Name. Once all reading is complete, respond to the following: How were women pressured into accepting the role of "housewife" in the post-war years? What is the problem that has no name? What caused the problem? What solutions does Friedan suggest?
You are required to submit an initial posting (200 words minimum) that addresses the items above. You are also expected to respond to the posting of at least one other student (100 words minimum). Your response should address why you agree/disagree with their posting, support it with new evidence to bring a new perspective to the topic. Do NOT submit anything as an attachment since some people cannot open certain formats.
Paper For Above instruction
The post-World War II era in the United States established a societal expectation that women should predominantly assume the role of housewives, a shift driven by both cultural narratives and economic factors. Women were heavily pressured into accepting this role through media portrayal, educational reinforcement, and societal norms that celebrated domesticity as the ideal lifetime pursuit for women. Propaganda campaigns, advertisements, and popular culture emphasized the importance of homemaking and motherhood, framing these as the ultimate sources of fulfillment for women, thus marginalizing other ambitions or career pursuits (Friedan, 1963).
Betty Friedan’s concept of "The Problem That Has No Name" refers to a pervasive sense of unfulfillment among middle-class suburban women during the 1950s and early 1960s. Despite outward appearances of happiness and stability, many women felt a deep-seated emptiness, anxiety, and frustration, yet they lacked a clear articulation or acknowledgment of these feelings within societal discourse. Friedan argues this problem was rooted in the cultural mandate that women find complete identity and satisfaction solely through marriage and motherhood, leading to a suppression of their individual desires and aspirations (Friedan, 1963).
The causes of this problem stem from a combination of societal expectations, economic specialization, and the reinforcement of gender roles. The post-war economic boom encouraged women’s domestic labor as a form of contributing to national prosperity, while education and media continually reinforced gender stereotypes, discouraging women from pursuing careers or personal growth outside the home. Additionally, the societal stigma attached to women working outside the home contributed to a collective silence around their personal dissatisfaction.
Friedan advocates several solutions to address this issue. Primarily, she calls for increased awareness and open discussion about women’s internal conflicts and dissatisfaction. Education reform is essential to broaden women’s opportunities beyond domestic roles, and women should be encouraged to seek fulfillment in careers, education, and personal pursuits. Friedan also advocates for societal shifts that recognize and validate women’s diverse identities and aspirations beyond motherhood and homemaking, fostering an environment where women can pursue meaningful lives according to their own desires (Friedan, 1963). Addressing these issues requires both individual empowerment and structural change to create a society that supports women’s full potential.
References
Friedan, B. (1963). The Feminine Mystique. W. W. Norton & Company.