Feminine mystique Quote by James T. Patterson
““The contagion of rights-consciousness especially attracted women, who grew more politically engaged than they had been since the achievement of women's suffrage in 1920. Their restlessness had begun to flourish openly in 1963, thanks in part to the publication in that year of Betty Friedan's highly popular The Feminine Mystique.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rise of American Conservatism by James T. Patterson, 2005
Women’s growing political awareness in the 1960s was sparked by a new consciousness of rights, reviving activism after suffrage.
In simple terms: Women became more politically active after suffrage.
Recognize how rights awareness fuels activism.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- voter registration drives
- women’s conferences
- grassroots organizing
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What rights awareness most motivates you?
- How can broader coalitions strengthen movements?
The quote may overstate a single cause, ignoring other economic and cultural factors.