Betty Friedan was a towering figure in American history whose contributions to feminism and social reform continue to shape public discourse to this day. Born in the early 20th century, her ideas were instrumental in igniting the second wave of feminism, challenging conventional gender roles, and advocating for equal opportunities for women in the workplace and beyond. As someone who lived through major events of the 20th century, from World War II to the Civil Rights Movement, understanding how old Betty Friedan was and the historical context in which she lived is essential for appreciating the depth and significance of her activism.
Early Life and Birthdate
Betty Friedan was born on February 4, 1921, in Peoria, Illinois, under the name Bettye Naomi Goldstein. Raised in a Jewish middle-class family, she demonstrated academic talent early on and pursued her education passionately. Her age at various milestones of the feminist movement helps place her influence in a clearer historical framework.
Education and Early Activism
Friedan graduated from Smith College in 1942 with a degree in psychology. At that time, she was 21 years old, entering adulthood in the middle of World War II. Her early writings and thoughts about gender dynamics and societal expectations began to form during these years. Though not yet a full-time activist, her age and experience placed her squarely in a generation that would later become the backbone of social change in the United States.
The Feminine Mystique and its Impact
In 1963, at the age of 42, Betty Friedan published her groundbreaking bookThe Feminine Mystique. This book would become one of the most influential works of the 20th century, helping launch the second wave of feminism. In it, Friedan questioned the idea that women could only find fulfillment through housework, marriage, and motherhood.
The timing of the book’s publication and Friedan’s age are noteworthy. At 42, she brought both life experience and intellectual rigor to her arguments, which resonated with many women who also felt trapped by societal expectations. Her age gave her the authority to speak not only from research but also from lived experience, making her message even more powerful.
Formation of the National Organization for Women
In 1966, at age 45, Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), an institution that remains active in the fight for gender equality. She served as its first president, guiding the organization during a critical period in the feminist movement.
This phase of her life reflects a woman in her mid-forties who had accumulated not only knowledge and skill but also the courage to lead a national charge. Her leadership helped build bridges between grassroots activism and formal political action, a crucial step in the evolution of feminism in America.
Later Life and Continued Activism
Friedan remained active in public discourse well into her seventies. She published more books, includingThe Second Stagein 1981 andThe Fountain of Agein 1993. These later works show how her thinking evolved as she aged, taking on issues such as aging and social responsibility in older adulthood.
Age and Perspective
By the 1980s, Friedan was in her sixties, and by the 1990s, she had reached her seventies. Her growing age brought a more nuanced perspective to her views on feminism, particularly on how women can balance career, family, and personal fulfillment. These contributions were instrumental in expanding the feminist dialogue beyond younger generations.
Death and Legacy
Betty Friedan passed away on February 4, 2006 on her 85th birthday. Her death marked the end of an era but also served as a reminder of her monumental role in shaping gender discourse in the 20th century. She lived for exactly 85 years, each decade marked by deep engagement in the key social and political issues of her time.
Understanding how old Betty Friedan was at various points in her life is more than just an exercise in biography it provides context for her ideas and actions. Her age at the time of writingThe Feminine Mystique, forming NOW, and addressing issues of aging illustrates the depth of her commitment to social progress at every stage of her life.
Why Her Age Matters in Feminist History
Betty Friedan’s age during different key milestones helps highlight her evolution as a thinker and activist. Knowing that she was in her early forties when she wrote her most influential book allows readers to appreciate how her insights were shaped by experience, not just theory. It also serves as a powerful reminder that activism is not limited by youth age can enhance understanding and drive.
- She was 21 when she graduated college already questioning societal norms.
- She was 42 when she publishedThe Feminine Mystique.
- She was 45 when she co-founded the National Organization for Women.
- She was in her sixties and seventies when she explored aging and the next stages of feminism.
- She died at 85, having shaped decades of feminist thought.
Betty Friedan lived to be 85 years old, and every phase of her life was marked by significant intellectual and activist contributions. From her early writings and the publication ofThe Feminine Mystiquein her forties to her later reflections on aging and womanhood, Friedan’s age was never a limit but rather a lens through which her ideas grew richer. Her legacy as a feminist leader is inseparable from the life stages she experienced, making her story one of resilience, relevance, and relentless pursuit of equality.