Who authored "The Feminine Mystique," sparking second-wave feminism?

"The Feminine Mystique," authored by Betty Friedan, is a seminal work that played a pivotal role in igniting second-wave feminism in the United States during the 1960s. In this book, Friedan critiques the post-World War II ideal of domesticity that confined women to the roles of wives and mothers, proposing that this limited view of womanhood contributed to widespread discontent among women who were seeking more meaningful lives and opportunities outside of traditional gender roles.

Friedan's exploration of women's dissatisfaction and her call for more expansive rights and roles in society resonated with many women at the time, leading to increased activism and the formation of various women's rights organizations. The book highlighted issues such as gender inequality, the lack of access to professional opportunities, and the societal pressures women faced, making it a foundational text in feminist literature.

While other figures like Gloria Steinem, Simone de Beauvoir, and Virginia Woolf made significant contributions to feminist thought, their works preceded or diverged in focus from the specific cultural critiques and activism that Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" inspired in the context of mid-20th-century America. Therefore, the impact and timing of Friedan’s publication were crucial in kickstarting the movements and