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Betty Friedan dispersed a questionnaire to her female peers at Smith College and found that most of them were displeased and unsatisfied with their lives. This caused Betty to begin doing research and diving into the possible reasons why they were so dissatisfied. She discussed her findings and corroborated with her psychology professors and fellow classmates. She put her findings into a book called "The Feminine Mystique."
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In 1963 Betty's book was published. With a title meaning "the problem that has no name," the book was an instant success as well as controversial topic. Her book focused on the idea that a woman's feeling of worthlessness stem from intellectual, emotional, and economic reliance upon her husband. The book argued that the restrictive roles placed on women (housekeeping, child raising, and more) will impact a woman's dissatisfaction with her life.
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In 1966 Betty Friedan cofounded the National Organization for Women or "NOW." The purpose of the organization was the create equal rights for all women and as president of the group she spearheaded many of the organizations movements. Some of what the organization did involved campaigns to end sex-classified employee notices, more representation for women in government, and more.
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In 1970 Betty helped organize the Women's Strike for Equality. The strike was held on the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage and lead to the campaign for the ratification of a proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution.