Feminine Mystique
... The new mystique is much more difficult for the modern woman to question than the old prejudices, partly because the mystique is broadcast by the very agents of education and social science that are supposed to be the chief enemies of prejudice. The mystique did not tolerate work outside of the home. ... Friedan describes how marrying as young as possible, having children soon after marriage, and spending the prime of ones life cooking, cleaning and raising children was the ideal life according to the feminine mystique. ... So she came up with this mystique. ... The feminine mystique traveled with these families to the suburbs and created the ideal of the housewife who is responsible for maintaining an attractive suburban home while her husband pursues his career.