Betty Friedan: Her Life

By Judith Hennessee

Book Overview

There is no one in the women's movement more renowned or pervasive in her presence, more long-lasting--or more contentious--than Betty Friedan. ?????? But what sort of person is she, really? Judith... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679432035
• ISBN13: 9780679432036
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: Random House
• Length: 330 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Stimulating reading about "The Mother of Feminism"

Twenty-eight years ago, the work of Betty Friedan changed forever, my view of my role as a woman in society. Reading Hennessee's well-researched and balanced account of Betty's life and times, allowed me to reconnect with a special time and era to all women (at least white, middle class women!) It is fascinating to know Betty with all her contradictions exposed; her feelings of being marginalized and excluded, her need for recognition and acknowledgement ( especially from men), and inability to connect with her own spirituality and aging. Equally amazing is the fact that Betty's Feminine Mystique took feminism mainstream, but failed to acknowledge patriarchy as the root cause of the unspoken dissatisfaction and yearning of American women. Also of interest are accounts of "behind the scenes" maneuvers at key events in the Feminist Movement, highlighing the rivalry between Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and others. One can only hope that both women and men are learning new ways of being and can move to behaviors embracing a partnership model rather than a dominator model as we approach the new millenium.