The publication of The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan in 1963 had a profound impact on women's rights in the 1960s. It challenged the pervasive notion of the "feminine mystique," which idealized women as domestic caretakers, suggesting many women were unfulfilled and dissatisfied. Friedan’s work sparked widespread discussion and encouraged women to seek personal and professional fulfillment beyond traditional roles. This book is often credited with igniting the second wave of feminism in the United States, leading to significant advancements in women's rights, including in the workplace and education.