The Problem that Has No Name: Betty Friedan (Penguin Modern)

Arrived on time and value for money!

I do like how she writes, particularly in the first of these two essays. She was such an important figure in 1960/70s feminism as she explores the rise of women's rights and where it suddenly stalled in the face of consumerism and the stereotypical ideals of the perfect American dream. A generation (or more) of women caught in a trap of idealised femininity and family, confused, anxious and needing something more.

If you had to put a name to this problem, it would be “gender inequality“. Freidan makes some great arguments and has a persuasive writing style, so I enjoyed this one.

My second book from the Penguin Modern Series is number 41, “The Problem That Has No Name” written by Betty Friedan in 1963. This book comprises of two non-fictional essays from Friedan’s larger work, ‘The Feminine Mystique’. Out of the two, I think I preferred the first but both are an important read and I’d definitely recommend picking this little book up. Friedan talks about the role of women in 1960s America, as mother and wife. The problem mentioned in the title of this book is that once married with children, women were told that they had everything and that they should be happy and content. But in reality, many women felt that something was missing, their lives were unfulfilled and many often couldn’t understand why they weren’t as happy as society said they should be. I particularly enjoyed reading the short extracts from real housewives of the time. “I seem to sleep so much. I don’t know why I should be tired. This house isn’t nearly so hard to clean as the cold-water flat we had when I was working. The children are at school all day. It’s not the work. I just don’t feel alive.” This book, while short, is written elegantly. Even when stating statistics, the writing is clear and logical, without losing interest and both essays were well paced. I sped though this little book in under and hour and have to say that I really enjoyed reading just a peek of Friedan’s larger work. Overall rating: Exploring and understanding the emptiness felt by housewives in America during the 1960s, this little book is a really interesting read, especially if, like me, you don’t know a great deal about the first two waves of feminism. 5 stars!

Great

This Penguin Modern Classic features two essays from the very popular book The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, who is said to have set second wave of feminism in motion. This book talks about THE American Dream, where women were pushed back to the kitchen in 1960s America. About how she was perceived as a mother and a wife but never as herself. How even, she failed to recognize herself as a separate and complete individual from husband and children. How she was robbed off all her ambitions. How passion was a humiliating word to be associated with a woman. And how depression and frustration became a national phenomenon among the American housewives before it was widely acknowledged. It's a very important piece to read. If you are trying to feminist literatures I'll suggest you go for these extracted texts. It builds up the hunger for the main fat book which or else may seem a bit intimidating.

This review is souly for the price and size. I paid $18 for this and it’s a very tiny book that says 3 pounds on the back. Not worth $18.

A great excerpt to read & keep!

As expected

Interessante e ben scritto, un'analisi della condizione femminile in America durante e dopo la prima ondata del movimento femminista. Fa riflettere su quanto sia cambiato e come, e sulla situazione attuale.