Betty Friedan

• What are Friedan's views on human nature?


  • sees women as rational and capable individuals with diverse aspirations.
  • She believes that societal norms can stifle their potential and that liberation is essential for personal fulfilment
• trad con counter to Friedan's views on human society:

  1. women are naturally suited for domestic roles and that society should reinforce these roles.
• Marxist counter to Friedan's views on human nature:

  1. Friedan’s focus on individual rights overlooks the need to address class struggles faced by women
• what are Friedan's views on society?


  • critiques the traditional roles assigned to women in society, arguing that these roles limit their potential.
  • She advocates for a society that recognises and supports women’s contributions beyond domestic spheres.
• gradualist socialist counter to Friedan's views on society:

  1. May contend that gradual reforms are more effective than Friedan’s calls for immediate change
• what are Friedan's views on the state?

  • calls for state intervention to promote gender equality and protect women's rights.
  • She believes that legislation is necessary to dismantle systemic barriers to women’s participation in society.
• anarchist counter to Friedan's views on the state:

  1. Reject the need for a state altogether, arguing that true freedom comes from abolishing government.
• Libertarian criticism of Friedan's views on the state:

  1. Suggest that any form of state intervention infringes on individual liberties and autonomy
• New Right criticism of Friedan's views on the state:

  1. May argue that state intervention can lead to unnecessary government overreach into personal lives.
• What are Friedan's views on the economy?

  • Friedan emphasises the need for economic opportunities for women, advocating for equal pay and employment rights.
  • She argues that economic independence is crucial for women’s liberation and overall societal progress
• Marxist counter to Friedan's views on the economy:

  1. Argue that economic independence is not feasible under capitalist structures, which exploit labor.
• Anarchist counter to Friedan's views on the economy:

  1. Argue for the abolition of capitalism in favour of communal ownership and direct worker control
• What are Friedan's views on property?

  • emphasises that economic independence for women is crucial for their freedom
  • arguing that access to property and economic resources allows women to escape oppressive circumstances.
• Trad Con counter to Friedan's views on property:

  1. May argue that property ownership should align with traditional family structures rather than individual pursuits
• Marxist counter to Friedan's views on property:

  1. Critique the notion of property as inherently tied to class oppression and exploitation.
• New Right counter to Friedan's views on property:

  1. Might argue that property rights should be limited to maintain family integrity and traditional roles.
• What are Friedan's views on freedom?

  • defines freedom as the ability for women to choose their paths in life, whether in the workplace or at home.
  • She emphasises the need for both negative freedom (freedom from oppression) and positive freedom (the ability to pursue one’s ambitions).
• trad con counter to Friedan's views on freedom:

  1. Might argue that true freedom for women lies within the confines of family and traditional roles
• Marxist counter to Friedan's views on freedom:

  1. Critique that the concept of freedom is meaningless without addressing systemic economic inequalities
• Anarchist counter to Friedan's views on freedom:

  1. Suggest that individual freedoms cannot be fully realised without dismantling hierarchical structures.
• What was Friedan's famous work?


  the Feminine Mystique
• Where can we see examples of Friedan's views?

  1. Title IX (1972, US): Prohibits gender discrimination in education, reflecting Friedan's advocacy for women's rights
• Where can we see evidence of Friedan's views?

  1. Equal Pay Act (1963, US): Aims to eliminate wage disparity based on gender, supporting Friedan’s ideas about economic independence
• Where can we see evidence of Friedan's views?

  1. Family and Medical Leave Act (1993, US): Supports working parents, particularly women, in balancing work and family life, aligning with Friedan’s emphasis on women’s roles