The influential book "The Feminine Mystique" was written by Betty Friedan. Published in 1963, it is credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States. Friedan's work challenged societal norms around women's roles, particularly in the context of domesticity and identity. She articulated the dissatisfaction many women felt, coining the term "the problem that has no name." The book not only emphasized the importance of personal fulfillment outside of traditional roles but also called for gender equality in education and the workforce, influencing subsequent feminist movements.