The correct answer to the question "What was the feminine mystique?" is:
The idea that only women devoted solely to their husbands, children, and homes were feminine.
Explanation:
1. The term "feminine mystique" is associated with the notion popularized by Betty Friedan in her book of the same name.
2. Friedan's book, published in 1963, highlighted the societal pressure on women to find fulfillment through marriage, motherhood, and homemaking, implying that women's primary role was to be devoted to these aspects of their lives.
3. The concept of the feminine mystique perpetuated the idea that women's fulfillment and identity were tied solely to their roles within the domestic sphere, limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth outside the home.
4. This idea reinforced traditional gender roles and expectations that confined women to specific roles within society, restricting their autonomy and potential for self-fulfillment beyond the confines of domesticity.
