Betty Friedan The Importance Of Work Summary

Living in an era after the first wave of American Feminism, Betty Friedan, an American author, activist, and the first president of the National American Organization for American Women, penned a book named "The Feminine Mystique." This book, written in 1963, "sparked" the second epoch of "American Feminism"(page 790). In the "Feminine Mystique" is the excerpt "The Importance of Work." In this excerpt, Friedan voices her discontent with the current state of American women in the work force, and all the while providing a strong argument for women to release themselves from the shackles of "domestic roles and feminine ideals that limited their individuality, freedom, and growth"(page 790). Throughout "The Importance of Work" Friedan's argument

is successful because of her effective use of ethos, logos, and pathos, the inclusion of men in her argument, and the offering a solution to breaking the feminine mystique.

Friedan makes great use of ethos by establishing herself as a credible person.

First, she gives off a vibe of a knowledgeable person throughout her excerpt by sustaining a scholarly vocabulary. Secondly, in addition to her vocabulary, she references a well-known psychologists, philosophers, and religious figures. For example, "The identity crisis, which has been noted by Erik Erikson and others in recent years in the American man, seems to occur for lack of, and be cursed by the finding of work, or cause, or purpose, or purpose that evokes his own creativity"(Friedan). Another example of Friedan referencing experts is when she writes “The very argument by Riesman an and others that man no longer finds identity in work defined as a paycheck job, assumes that identity for man comes through creative work of his own that contributes to the human community: the core of self becomes aware, becomes real, and grows through work that carries forward human society” (Friedan). This adds to her credibility because referencing experts add another layer of expertise to her argument. Friedan also appears knowledgeable on the subject of the history of American society and the roles of men and women throughput American history. “Until, and even into, the last century, strong, capable women are needed to pioneer our new land; with their husbands, they ran farms and plantations and Western homesteads"(Friedan). This showcase of her knowledge about gender roles in American society further

adds to her credibility.

Although she her usage of logos isn't her strong suit, Friedan makes decent attempts to use this type of rhetoric. She is a knowledgeable person, so she doesn't hurt her argument when voicing the reason behind her logic. An example of Friedan's logic is when she talks about Americans not reaching their full potentials. " It was not an American, but a South African woman, Mrs. Olive Schreiner, who warned at the turn of the century that the quality and quantity of women's functions in the social universe was decreasing as fast as civilization was advancing; that if women did not win back their right to a full share of honored and useful work, woman's mind and muscle would weaken in a parasitic state; her offspring, male and female, would weaken progressively and civilization itself would deteriorate" (Friedan). The logic behind this is profound because Friedan is basically saying that women's health is also factor in how the future generation is going to fare. Womens health is not just psychological. It is also psychological. Meaning that the discontent of women in their societal roles affects their psyche. As a result, the offspring of women, male or female, will be somehow affected by the psychological and physiological woes of their mothers. This would result in American society crippling itself into an era of inefficiency.

Friedan uses pathos exceptionally.

She appeals to the emotions of both men and women. When appealing to men she writes about the "identity crisis" which men had endured in recent years. "The identity crisis, which has been noted by Erik Erikson and others in recent years in the American man, seems to occur for lack of, and be cursed by the finding of work, or cause, or purpose, or purpose that evokes his own creativity" (Friedan). Thus, successfully draws out the emotions of men and grabs their attention. This is effective because to convince a population you would not want to leave out roughly 50% of the population. Friedan captures the attention of women by drawing attention to the frustrations of many women by implying that women have scarce job opportunities. "How many of them have been deceived, or have deceived themselves into clinging to outgrown, childlike femininity of "Occupation: Housewife"?"(Friedan). She describes housework as boring and sedentary- to which many people may agree. Her skill in the usage of pathos captures the attention of a large

demographic.

Overall Friedan presents her argument successfully. She uses ethos, logos, and pathos effectively. At the same time, Friedan also appeals to men without blaming them or truly stepping on their toes. She encourages women to find work outside of their comfort zones. She is the voice of marginalized women in a patriarchal society in which women are overlooked in the work forces. In conclusion Friedan's argument was solid.