Who was a prominent figure in the second wave of feminism starting in the 1960s?

Betty Friedan is a prominent figure in the second wave of feminism starting in the 1960s primarily due to her ground-breaking work, "The Feminine Mystique," published in 1963. This book challenged the traditional roles of women in society, particularly the notion that women's fulfillment could only be achieved through domestic roles as wives and mothers. Friedan's writing resonated with many women who felt unfulfilled and sparked widespread discussion and activism around women's rights, including issues such as workplace equality, reproductive rights, and gender discrimination.

While Gloria Steinem also played a significant role in the second wave through her activism and journalism, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg greatly contributed to women's rights through her legal work, Friedan is often credited with initiating the second wave. Susan B. Anthony, although a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement in the late 19th century, is associated with earlier feminist movements. Friedan's influence and the conversations she ignited are pivotal to understanding the development of feminist thought during the 1960s and beyond.