archive
The Feminine Mystique's 50th Anniversary Takes over the First Week of November
Fifty years ago, Betty Friedan published The Feminine Mystique on the limitation of women's roles in American society. The work came to be regarded as the seminal text of second-wave feminism and one of the most influential books of the 20th century. Scholars and activists will reflect on the book's half century of influence, change, and controversy during the first week of November with the release of a new critical edition of the work. Loyola University faculty are involved in these events in a number of capacities.
November 6: Vocalo's Morning AMp on WLUW 88.7 FM will feature Michelle Nickerson, Associate Professor of History at Loyola University Chicago, and author and political consultant Rebecca Sive on their Council on Feminist Thought on their Feminist Wednesday edition from 8:00-10:00am.
November 7: Kirsten Fermaglich, Associate Professor of History and Jewish Studies at Michigan State University, will discuss how Friedan's experience as a Jewish woman influenced her feminist manifesto and the role of Jewish identity in second-wave feminism in her talk titled "The Comfortable Concentration Camp: Why It Matters that Betty Friedan was a Jewish Woman" from 3:00-5:00pm in Piper Hall, Main Floor, Lake Shore Campus, Loyola University Chicago.
November 8: The Newberry Seminar on Women and Gender will host an all day conference titled "The Feminine Mystique at 50: Reflecting on the Book that Inspired, Angered, and Forever Changed America." Scholars and activists will discuss the book's legacy over its 50 years in print. Elizabeth Fraterrigo, Associate Professor of History at Loyola University Chicago, will be among the panelists. Michelle Nickerson, Associate Professor of History at Loyola University Chicago, is a co-convenor of the event.
