For part 2 of our summer reading recommendations, it would be impossible for us to ignore the book that has sparked new debate about and among moms (whether they have read it or not)…

The Feminine Mistake, by Leslie Bennetts While its title nods to that watershed book of an earlier decade, The Feminine Mystique, the “mistake” of the title refers to Bennetts’ central thesis: that for those women who choose to abdicate work, the ensuing financial dependency creates a huge vulnerability (in the likelihood of some life hardship– divorce, illness, a spouse’s unemployment) which every woman should understand and consider.

Born of good intentions, all it takes is a quick glance at the Amazon reviews to see what a polarizing thesis this is…

Bennetts has said she wrote this book because “the media gave lots of coverage to women who quit the labor force to become full-time mothers, but they treated this decision as if it were simply a lifestyle choice. They never seemed to mention the risks of economic dependency — or the myriad benefits of work.” She adds that “my goal was to… help close this information gap for women.” Not surprisingly, that good intention of arming women with the facts to protect themselves has been derided by many, especially those who feel their life paths are being criticized (wouldn’t the notion of making a “mistake” with one’s life make anyone a little defensive)? And in fact, at least one key criticism of the book– the fact that she focuses on a very narrow, privileged segment of mothers– seems pretty warranted.


However, what the quicker critics may overlook is the good news part of the book (our FAVORITE part)…


Through her cross-discipline research, Bennetts found new evidence of what many of us already know (worst days aside): that work confers enormous benefits in addition to a paycheck. As Bennetts recently posted, she found that “despite the undeniable challenges of the juggling act, working women tend to be happier and even healthier… in ways that have been documented by a broad range of surprising medical, psychological and social science data. Their incomes give them power in their marriages and options in the larger world, not to mention opportunities that benefit their families.

And as for the children’s welfare: “sociologists have spent decades comparing the kids of working moms with those of full-time homemakers, consistently failing to prove that the latter do better.” Given that most moms actually DO work, that should be considered good news to us all.

Look for “The Feminine Mistake” on the Executive Moms Bookshelf


Tell Us What YOU Think…


Post any thoughts you have about “The Feminine Mistake” in the “On the Workfront” section of the Executive Lounge… and share your thoughts as well on our latest Hot Topic, inspired by last week’s featured book, “And Nanny Makes Three.”

Visit the Executive Lounge… and our Hot Topic on executivemoms.com


Enjoyed this Momorandum? Forward it to a friend… and visit us often at www.executivemoms.com!