Introduction

Illustration by Jeffrey Scales; photograph by William C. Shrout/Time Life Pictures - Getty images; Betty Friedan inset, Susana Raab

Room for Debate presents a video roundtable, via Google+, reflecting on the 50th anniversary of Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique.” The book tapped into anger among “happy housewives” in the 60s, helping create the second wave of feminism. But many women who balance career and family are still frustrated. Why?



The half-hour debate, moderated by Gail Collins, a Times columnist, includes Stephanie Coontz, Anna Holmes, Shelby Knox, and Milly Silva.