In the cultural and political landscape of the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, two towering figures stood on opposite sides of one of the most transformative debates in modern American history. Betty Friedan and Phyllis Schlafly became emblematic of the broader ideological divide between second-wave feminism and traditional conservatism. Their intellectual and political clash was not just about the Equal Rights Amendment it was about the future of American womanhood, family, and the role of government in shaping gender equality. Their fierce opposition defined the direction of the feminist movement and left a lasting imprint on American social values.
Background of Betty Friedan
Early Life and Influences
Betty Friedan was born in 1921 in Peoria, Illinois. Educated at Smith College, she became a journalist and later a full-time activist. Her most influential work,The Feminine Mystique, published in 1963, articulated what she called ‘the problem that has no name’ the dissatisfaction of middle-class women confined to domestic life. Friedan’s book became a catalyst for the second-wave feminist movement.
Feminist Advocacy
Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966 and served as its first president. Her vision of feminism focused on equality in education, the workplace, and under the law. She argued that women should be free to choose their own paths, whether in careers, family, or public life, and worked tirelessly to promote the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
Background of Phyllis Schlafly
Conservative Roots and Education
Phyllis Schlafly, born in 1924 in St. Louis, Missouri, came from a working-class background but pursued a high level of education, earning a law degree later in life. Unlike Friedan, Schlafly embraced traditional gender roles and viewed the family as the cornerstone of civilization. She was deeply influenced by her Catholic faith and conservative values.
The Rise of the STOP ERA Campaign
In 1972, Schlafly launched the STOP ERA (Stop Taking Our Privileges) campaign. Her opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment stemmed from her belief that it would eliminate the unique protections afforded to women, such as exemption from the military draft and special considerations in family law. She argued that the ERA would harm women more than help them, leading to the erosion of traditional family values.
Key Ideological Differences
Equality vs. Complementarity
At the heart of their debate was a philosophical disagreement about gender roles. Friedan believed in gender equality and the necessity of dismantling institutional sexism. Schlafly, on the other hand, viewed men and women as fundamentally different but complementary. She believed that recognizing these differences ensured social stability and protected the family unit.
Views on the Role of Government
Friedan saw the federal government as a necessary tool for achieving equality, advocating for legal reforms and workplace protections. Schlafly distrusted government overreach and believed social change should happen organically through family and religious institutions, not legislation.
The Clash Over the Equal Rights Amendment
Betty Friedan’s Advocacy for the ERA
Friedan was a prominent supporter of the ERA, which sought to guarantee equal legal rights regardless of sex. She viewed the amendment as a logical extension of civil rights and a vital measure to eliminate gender discrimination in all forms.
Phyllis Schlafly’s Successful Opposition
Schlafly’s campaign to block the ERA proved effective. She rallied housewives, religious groups, and conservative politicians across the country, arguing that the ERA would dismantle protections for women and undermine the traditional family. Her grassroots movement contributed to the amendment’s ultimate failure to be ratified by enough states before the 1982 deadline.
Cultural Impact and Public Perception
Media Representation
The media often portrayed the conflict between Friedan and Schlafly as emblematic of the broader cultural divide in America. Friedan was seen as the intellectual face of feminism, while Schlafly was seen as the voice of conservative women pushing back against radical change.
Public Debates
The two women engaged in numerous debates, often televised, that highlighted the passions and divisions of their time. In one famous confrontation, Friedan referred to Schlafly as a ‘traitor to her sex,’ while Schlafly calmly defended her vision of a woman’s dignity rooted in family and tradition.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
Betty Friedan’s Enduring Contributions
Friedan’s work laid the foundation for many of the rights and conversations that define feminism today. Her role in launching NOW and advocating for workplace rights, reproductive freedom, and legal equality helped push forward major reforms that continue to shape American society.
Phyllis Schlafly’s Conservative Movement
Schlafly’s influence extended beyond the ERA. She helped galvanize a new wave of conservative activism, laying the groundwork for the rise of the Religious Right and contributing to the Republican Party’s realignment in the 1980s. Her ability to mobilize women in defense of traditional roles remains a case study in effective grassroots activism.
Modern Reassessment
Contemporary Feminism and Conservatism
Today, the debate between Betty Friedan and Phyllis Schlafly continues to resonate. Feminists acknowledge Friedan’s contribution to modern rights movements, while conservative women often look to Schlafly’s defense of motherhood and tradition as empowering in its own right.
Are Their Ideas Still Relevant?
The ideological clash between these two figures still informs contemporary debates about gender, family, and the role of women in public life. Issues such as reproductive rights, equal pay, and gender identity are deeply influenced by the groundwork laid by both women.
- Friedan’s legacyis visible in policies aimed at promoting workplace equality and combating gender discrimination.
- Schlafly’s visionendures in arguments favoring school choice, traditional marriage, and religious liberty.
The historic confrontation between Betty Friedan and Phyllis Schlafly offers more than just a snapshot of a cultural moment it represents an ongoing dialogue about what it means to be a woman in America. Their rivalry was rooted in deep convictions, contrasting visions of progress, and a shared determination to shape the future. Whether one aligns with Friedan’s fight for legal and social equality or Schlafly’s defense of the traditional family, it is undeniable that both women changed the course of American history. Their debate continues to spark reflection, discussion, and activism across generations.