Women & Women & RelationshipsRelationships

FriendshipFriendship

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FriendshipFriendship Women have often been portrayed as incapable of Women have often been portrayed as incapable of

true friendshiptrue friendship

However, many female friendships are deep, However, many female friendships are deep, intimate, and enduringintimate, and enduring

Females emphasize self-disclosure, emotional Females emphasize self-disclosure, emotional closeness, and empathycloseness, and empathy

Central theme in female relationships is talkingCentral theme in female relationships is talking

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Friendship con’t ...Friendship con’t ...GirlsGirls BoysBoys

even in early childhood, even in early childhood, girls talk and share girls talk and share storiesstories

tend to develop fewer, tend to develop fewer, more intimate, more intimate, friendshipsfriendships

spend more time talking spend more time talking rather than playingrather than playing

more likely to spend more likely to spend time together in active time together in active playplay

more likely to have more likely to have large groups of friends large groups of friends with whom they DO, with whom they DO, rather than talkrather than talk

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ChildhoodChildhood Parents & caregiversParents & caregivers SiblingsSiblings Other childrenOther children

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Childhood con’t ...Childhood con’t ... Friendships formed Friendships formed

in childhood can be in childhood can be fleetingfleeting CompetitionCompetition RelocationRelocation Adult Adult

interferenceinterference

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Friendship con’t ...Friendship con’t ... Women’s friendships change over the course of Women’s friendships change over the course of

their livestheir lives DatingDating MarriageMarriage ChildrenChildren CareerCareer

DivorceDivorce WidowhooWidowhoodd

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AdolescenceAdolescence Relationships can be Relationships can be

more enduringmore enduring Shared interests, Shared interests,

activitiesactivities

Competition can Competition can intensifyintensify

Dating Dating Parental interferenceParental interference

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AdulthoodAdulthood Less competitiveLess competitive

e.g., if in a romantic relationship spend more time e.g., if in a romantic relationship spend more time with couples with couples

More enduringMore enduring e.g., friendships that survived adolescence, more e.g., friendships that survived adolescence, more

experience with relationshipsexperience with relationships

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Sex & the CitySex & the City EnduringEnduring Non-competitiveNon-competitive 30s30s

FriendsFriendsEnduringEnduringSlightly Slightly

competitivecompetitive20s20s

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Friendship? Or something Friendship? Or something else?else? ProximityProximity ConvenienceConvenience FamiliarityFamiliarity

What makes it a “real” friendship?What makes it a “real” friendship?

The Opposite SexThe Opposite Sex

FriendshipsFriendships ARTICLE: ARTICLE: Can Men and Women Be Can Men and Women Be

FriendFriends?s?

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Family StructureFamily Structure

What happened to “married with children”?What happened to “married with children”?

This family pattern is on the declineThis family pattern is on the decline Birth rates (worldwide) have droppedBirth rates (worldwide) have dropped Fewer people are getting married Fewer people are getting married In developed countries, average age of marriage is 26-27In developed countries, average age of marriage is 26-27 Divorce is more likely than in previous decades (40 - 50%)Divorce is more likely than in previous decades (40 - 50%)

What are the implications of these trends?What are the implications of these trends?

ImplicationsImplications

Families are smallerFamilies are smaller

Relationships are more complex (e.g., unmarried or Relationships are more complex (e.g., unmarried or divorced parents)divorced parents)

More pressure for each family member to be a “generalist” More pressure for each family member to be a “generalist” rather than a “specialist” (e.g., mother might not stay rather than a “specialist” (e.g., mother might not stay home, cook, clean)home, cook, clean)

The Couple Bond: The Couple Bond: LoveLove Beginning in adolescence, much energy is invested in Beginning in adolescence, much energy is invested in

forming couple bondsforming couple bonds

Important for meeting our needs for intimacy and Important for meeting our needs for intimacy and companionship; also provide the basis for the formation of companionship; also provide the basis for the formation of familiesfamilies

Researchers suggest that people of Researchers suggest that people of anyany age, ethnic age, ethnic group, culture, or gender are capable of group, culture, or gender are capable of passionate passionate romantic loveromantic love: the intense feeling of longing for union : the intense feeling of longing for union with another person that can dominate one’s emotionswith another person that can dominate one’s emotions

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The Trend toward LoveThe Trend toward Love

““If someone had all of the qualities you would want in a If someone had all of the qualities you would want in a mate but you were not in love with that person, would you mate but you were not in love with that person, would you marry him/her?”marry him/her?”

Several decades ago, more men than women would say Several decades ago, more men than women would say “no”. This gender difference has now disappeared. Why?“no”. This gender difference has now disappeared. Why?

Costs & BenefitsCosts & Benefits

WomenWomen

Benefits: intimacy, self-Benefits: intimacy, self-growth, self-understanding, growth, self-understanding, self-esteemself-esteem

Costs: loss of identity, loss of Costs: loss of identity, loss of innocenceinnocence

MenMen

Benefits: sexual satisfactionBenefits: sexual satisfaction

Costs: monetary expense of Costs: monetary expense of datingdating

Benefits: companionship, happiness, feeling loved, loving another

StylesStyles of Love of Love

Women: more pragmatic (practical, compatibility-centred) Women: more pragmatic (practical, compatibility-centred) and friendship orientedand friendship oriented

Men: more likely to experience love as playfulness, Men: more likely to experience love as playfulness, without too much intensity or serious commitmentwithout too much intensity or serious commitment

These gender differences seem to transcend sexual These gender differences seem to transcend sexual orientationorientation

Attachment & AutonomyAttachment & Autonomy

The stereotype: Women want more closeness; Men want The stereotype: Women want more closeness; Men want more independencemore independence

The reality: men and women place equal value on these The reality: men and women place equal value on these two needstwo needs

When differences are found, they tend to be When differences are found, they tend to be counterstereotypic: women being more concerned than counterstereotypic: women being more concerned than men about maintaining their independencemen about maintaining their independence

Relationship QualityRelationship Quality

Cohabiting heterosexual couples have the lowest scores Cohabiting heterosexual couples have the lowest scores for ‘love for partner’ and ‘relationship satisfaction’ (when for ‘love for partner’ and ‘relationship satisfaction’ (when compared to married heterosexual, gay, and lesbian compared to married heterosexual, gay, and lesbian couples)couples)

Married couples report the most barriers to leaving a Married couples report the most barriers to leaving a relationship; Cohabiting couples report the fewestrelationship; Cohabiting couples report the fewest

For all types of couples, relationship satisfaction is linked to For all types of couples, relationship satisfaction is linked to seeing few good alternatives to the relationship, high seeing few good alternatives to the relationship, high shared decision making, and few beliefs that disagreement shared decision making, and few beliefs that disagreement is bad for the relationshipis bad for the relationship

Power, Influence, & Power, Influence, & EqualityEquality Maintaining an intimate relationship involves making Maintaining an intimate relationship involves making

decisions, compromises, and taking into consideration the decisions, compromises, and taking into consideration the needs and preferences of both partnersneeds and preferences of both partners

It is inevitable, therefore, that issues of power, influence, It is inevitable, therefore, that issues of power, influence, and equality play a part in how the relationship functions and equality play a part in how the relationship functions and in the couple’s satisfaction with the relationshipand in the couple’s satisfaction with the relationship

For most Western couples, an equal balance of power is For most Western couples, an equal balance of power is idealideal Such equality is frequently lackingSuch equality is frequently lacking

Power, Influence, & Power, Influence, & EqualityEquality An imbalance of power tends to be associated with one An imbalance of power tends to be associated with one

partner being more emotionally invested in the relationship partner being more emotionally invested in the relationship and differences in access to resources (education, and differences in access to resources (education, employment, desirable alternatives to the relationship)employment, desirable alternatives to the relationship)

Psychological theories of interpersonal power focus on Psychological theories of interpersonal power focus on equityequity, the , the principle of least interestprinciple of least interest, and resources as , and resources as bases of powerbases of power

Equity & The Principle of Equity & The Principle of Least InterestLeast Interest

When couples evaluate their relationships, they often focus When couples evaluate their relationships, they often focus on fairnesson fairness

Equity: the balance between Equity: the balance between contributions tocontributions to and and benefits benefits fromfrom the relationship (almost like a ratio) the relationship (almost like a ratio)

Those who feel a relationship is equitable tend to feel Those who feel a relationship is equitable tend to feel satisfied (not surprisingly)satisfied (not surprisingly)

Self InterestSelf Interest

Attitudes about how the contributions and benefits should Attitudes about how the contributions and benefits should be weighted are influenced by self-interest, culture, and be weighted are influenced by self-interest, culture, and peer attitudes and expectationspeer attitudes and expectations

e.g., in a social environment that favours traditional gender e.g., in a social environment that favours traditional gender roles, the preceding examples seem fair; as our society roles, the preceding examples seem fair; as our society becomes “less traditional”, these arrangements are often becomes “less traditional”, these arrangements are often challengedchallenged

In relatively equal income couples, women who assume far In relatively equal income couples, women who assume far more domestic duties still report equity and satisfaction in more domestic duties still report equity and satisfaction in the relationshipsthe relationships

InvestmentInvestment

When we invest time, money, energy in a relationship, we don’t want to When we invest time, money, energy in a relationship, we don’t want to give it up without a fightgive it up without a fight

Social network may seem irreplaceableSocial network may seem irreplaceable Economic security/stabilityEconomic security/stability ComfortComfort Feeling loved/neededFeeling loved/needed

The person who has the lowest emotional investment, who values the The person who has the lowest emotional investment, who values the benefits of the relationship least, is more likely to be the dominant one benefits of the relationship least, is more likely to be the dominant one and is more likely to leave the relationship. The other partner often and is more likely to leave the relationship. The other partner often senses this and makes accommodations and compromises in hopes of senses this and makes accommodations and compromises in hopes of keeping the relationship.keeping the relationship.

ResourcesResources

When one person tries to influence another to engage in a When one person tries to influence another to engage in a particular behaviour/make a particular decision, the other particular behaviour/make a particular decision, the other person has to be given a reason to complyperson has to be given a reason to comply

Reasons for compliance:Reasons for compliance: LoveLove The other person complied with your wishes last timeThe other person complied with your wishes last time Fear of anger or tension in the relationshipFear of anger or tension in the relationship Promise of rewardPromise of reward Irrefutable argumentIrrefutable argument

ResourcesResources

One of the fundamental ideas in the social psychology of One of the fundamental ideas in the social psychology of interpersonal power is that power is based on control of interpersonal power is that power is based on control of resourcesresources

Therefore, on one person’s ability to affect what happens Therefore, on one person’s ability to affect what happens to the other personto the other person

e.g., the person who makes more money might spend e.g., the person who makes more money might spend more money than the other person (without justification or more money than the other person (without justification or discussion) or withhold income at will (to control the discussion) or withhold income at will (to control the person/assert dominance)person/assert dominance)

BUT …BUT …

When the woman makes more money, she does not When the woman makes more money, she does not necessarily have more power in the relationshipnecessarily have more power in the relationship

In most societies, where men are seen to have a In most societies, where men are seen to have a legitimate claim to authority in the family, they will still hold legitimate claim to authority in the family, they will still hold more power in a relationship than women—regardless of more power in a relationship than women—regardless of who has the financial resourceswho has the financial resources

The Power ShiftThe Power Shift

Power may shift back and forth between Power may shift back and forth between partners at different times and in different partners at different times and in different situationssituations

Examples?Examples?

Family & ParenthoodFamily & Parenthood

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Families: All Shapes & Families: All Shapes & SizesSizes The notion of a family as something that is The notion of a family as something that is

contained in a household is too narrow; yet, contained in a household is too narrow; yet, most statistics about families are based on most statistics about families are based on this particular groupthis particular group

Mothers & ChildrenMothers & Children

A Brazilian village: women respond to each pregnancy as A Brazilian village: women respond to each pregnancy as the possibility of a new life but also the possibility of a new the possibility of a new life but also the possibility of a new deathdeath Many women bear more than a dozen children and it is Many women bear more than a dozen children and it is

not uncommon for many of the infants to die before not uncommon for many of the infants to die before their first birthdaystheir first birthdays

Mothers often will not bond with, or even name, the Mothers often will not bond with, or even name, the child until s/he is over a year oldchild until s/he is over a year old

If an infant is sickly, they may withhold food to hasten If an infant is sickly, they may withhold food to hasten deathdeath

Mothers & ChildrenMothers & Children

Pre-Communist China: common for mothers to abandon infants that Pre-Communist China: common for mothers to abandon infants that they did not think could survivethey did not think could survive Viewed as a sacrifice that would allow the survival of other family Viewed as a sacrifice that would allow the survival of other family

membersmembers

Those who believe in a “natural” attachment between mother and Those who believe in a “natural” attachment between mother and child are disturbed by such storieschild are disturbed by such stories

North American stereotypes about motherhood (e.g., instant powerful North American stereotypes about motherhood (e.g., instant powerful bond between mother and child)bond between mother and child) When an infant is ill and unlikely to survive, vast medical When an infant is ill and unlikely to survive, vast medical

resources are still devoted to caring for the childresources are still devoted to caring for the child Mothers who abandon or kill their children face serious criminal Mothers who abandon or kill their children face serious criminal

chargescharges

Mothers & ChildrenMothers & Children

Evolutionary theorists argue that there is nothing Evolutionary theorists argue that there is nothing “unnatural” about mothers “cutting their losses” when it “unnatural” about mothers “cutting their losses” when it appears that an infant will not surviveappears that an infant will not survive

Rather, this response is part of our evolutionary heritage Rather, this response is part of our evolutionary heritage (e.g., survival of the fittest)(e.g., survival of the fittest)

MotherhoodMotherhood Is not an automatic set of feelings and behaviours that are Is not an automatic set of feelings and behaviours that are

switched on by a pregnancy and birth of a baby. It is an switched on by a pregnancy and birth of a baby. It is an experience that is profoundly shaped by social context and experience that is profoundly shaped by social context and culture.culture.

Other North American stereotypes:Other North American stereotypes: Ultimate fulfillment of feminine rolesUltimate fulfillment of feminine roles Mothers should be warm, nurturing, selfless, and Mothers should be warm, nurturing, selfless, and

sacrifice their own needs (repeatedly) to ensure the sacrifice their own needs (repeatedly) to ensure the welfare of their childrenwelfare of their children

When women fail to meet these unrealistic and idealized When women fail to meet these unrealistic and idealized demands, they are often blamed for not only the failings demands, they are often blamed for not only the failings of their children, but for the failings in societyof their children, but for the failings in society

MotherhoodMotherhood

One of the biggest criticisms of mothers in North America is One of the biggest criticisms of mothers in North America is the stifling/suffocating of her children emotionally by trying the stifling/suffocating of her children emotionally by trying to live through themto live through them ““Stage mothers” and “sports mothers”Stage mothers” and “sports mothers”

Mothers who hold onto other aspects of their identities Mothers who hold onto other aspects of their identities (e.g., working outside of the home) have reported being (e.g., working outside of the home) have reported being more satisfied with their lives and have higher self-esteem more satisfied with their lives and have higher self-esteem than their at-home counterpartsthan their at-home counterparts

ConditionsConditions

The benefits are greatest when certain conditions are met:The benefits are greatest when certain conditions are met: Availability and affordability of high quality child careAvailability and affordability of high quality child care Family supportFamily support Women’s perception that their work is important and a Women’s perception that their work is important and a

legitimate prioritylegitimate priority

Can also be beneficial for children (socially and Can also be beneficial for children (socially and intellectually) to be in a childcare setting outside of the intellectually) to be in a childcare setting outside of the homehome

A Matrix of TensionsA Matrix of Tensions

1.1. Loss of self versus expansion of selfLoss of self versus expansion of self

2.2. Feeling omnipotent versus feeling liableFeeling omnipotent versus feeling liable

3.3. Life destruction versus life promotionLife destruction versus life promotion

4.4. Maternal isolation versus maternal communityMaternal isolation versus maternal community

5.5. Cognitive strategies versus intuitive responsesCognitive strategies versus intuitive responses

6.6. Maternal desexualization versus maternal sexualizationMaternal desexualization versus maternal sexualization

Single MothersSingle Mothers

In North America, 80% of single parent households are led In North America, 80% of single parent households are led by womenby women

More likely than other family configurations to live in More likely than other family configurations to live in povertypoverty Single mother families make up half of all families living Single mother families make up half of all families living

in povertyin poverty

Mother-Daughter Mother-Daughter RelationshipsRelationships Mothers are important role models for their daughtersMothers are important role models for their daughters Worldwide, daughters of employed mothers hold less Worldwide, daughters of employed mothers hold less

traditional gender role attitudes than daughters of stay-traditional gender role attitudes than daughters of stay-at-home mothersat-home mothers

The mother-daughter relationship also has important The mother-daughter relationship also has important implications for the development of feminist attitudesimplications for the development of feminist attitudes Daughters who identify strongly with feminist mothers Daughters who identify strongly with feminist mothers

held similarly feminist awarenessheld similarly feminist awareness Strong, respectful, mutually interdependent mother-Strong, respectful, mutually interdependent mother-

daughter relationships are linked with high levels of daughter relationships are linked with high levels of feminist consciousnessfeminist consciousness

On the other hand, some daughters develop high On the other hand, some daughters develop high levels of feminist consciousness when reacting to levels of feminist consciousness when reacting to possessive, jealous, or anxious motherspossessive, jealous, or anxious mothers

Mother-Daughter Mother-Daughter RelationshipsRelationships Culture clash can lead to clashes between generations, Culture clash can lead to clashes between generations,

especially among families who have immigrated from especially among families who have immigrated from another countryanother country Insistence on their daughters’ conformity to traditional Insistence on their daughters’ conformity to traditional

cultural values often produces conflict that lasts into cultural values often produces conflict that lasts into adulthoodadulthood

Many daughters will rebel against their mothers in an Many daughters will rebel against their mothers in an effort to become enculturated but, as adults, often find effort to become enculturated but, as adults, often find a new appreciation for their traditional culturea new appreciation for their traditional culture

Mother-Daughter Mother-Daughter RelationshipsRelationships Daughters often become caregivers for the their mothers, Daughters often become caregivers for the their mothers,

and this situation presents many potential sources of and this situation presents many potential sources of conflict about mothers’ and daughters’ expectationsconflict about mothers’ and daughters’ expectations

Often comes at a time when daughters have many other Often comes at a time when daughters have many other responsibilities (caregiver burden)responsibilities (caregiver burden) The relationship between mother and daughter is The relationship between mother and daughter is

redefined in many ways (role reversal, increased redefined in many ways (role reversal, increased awareness of mortality, effects of aging, increased awareness of mortality, effects of aging, increased tolerance and acceptance, and putting priority on tolerance and acceptance, and putting priority on relationships)relationships)

Fathers & ChildrenFathers & Children

Ten years ago, a 10-country study (e.g., U.S., Nigeria, Ten years ago, a 10-country study (e.g., U.S., Nigeria, China) revealed that fathers, on average, spent less than China) revealed that fathers, on average, spent less than one hour per day on childcareone hour per day on childcare

Mothers in these countries spend 5.2 – 10.7 hours per day Mothers in these countries spend 5.2 – 10.7 hours per day in solo childcare (the highest average belongs to women in in solo childcare (the highest average belongs to women in the U.S.)the U.S.)

Although the research has not been updated, other Although the research has not been updated, other studies suggest that fathers still spend considerable less studies suggest that fathers still spend considerable less time than mothers do with their childrentime than mothers do with their children

Fathers & ChildrenFathers & Children

Fathers are more likely than mothers to spend time in play Fathers are more likely than mothers to spend time in play activities; mothers spend more time in maintenance activities; mothers spend more time in maintenance activitiesactivities

Marital satisfaction is positively linked with fathers’ Marital satisfaction is positively linked with fathers’ childcare involvementchildcare involvement Higher income = less time spent with children during Higher income = less time spent with children during

the weekthe week Self esteem and age at which a man becomes a father Self esteem and age at which a man becomes a father

have been shown to predict satisfaction with have been shown to predict satisfaction with parenthood (being older when the baby is born is linked parenthood (being older when the baby is born is linked to higher satisfaction)to higher satisfaction)

Fathers & ChildrenFathers & Children

In studies of preschool children, those whose fathers were In studies of preschool children, those whose fathers were responsible for 40 – 45% of childcare showed higher responsible for 40 – 45% of childcare showed higher cognitive competence and greater empathy toward their cognitive competence and greater empathy toward their peerspeers

Girls are thought to be more sensitive to approval and Girls are thought to be more sensitive to approval and disapproval from their fathersdisapproval from their fathers

Having a supportive father or boyfriend can be an Having a supportive father or boyfriend can be an important factor in women’s willingness to choose important factor in women’s willingness to choose nontraditional careersnontraditional careers

Women without ChildrenWomen without Children

In Canada, approximately 15% of heterosexual couples In Canada, approximately 15% of heterosexual couples never have childrennever have children

A common and persistent theme is the notion that women A common and persistent theme is the notion that women who do not have children have missed out on the core who do not have children have missed out on the core aspect of being womenaspect of being women In colonial America, childless women were not targets of In colonial America, childless women were not targets of

disapproval or pity, but by the end of the 18disapproval or pity, but by the end of the 18thth century, century, marriage and motherhood had been highly romanticized marriage and motherhood had been highly romanticized and childlessness began to be viewed as a personal and childlessness began to be viewed as a personal tragedytragedy

Women without ChildrenWomen without Children

In many cultures, childlessness is personally, socially, and In many cultures, childlessness is personally, socially, and economically devastatingeconomically devastating

In some cultures (e.g., many African countries), status, In some cultures (e.g., many African countries), status, and even financial support, comes from having childrenand even financial support, comes from having children

Women can be divorced, abandoned, physically Women can be divorced, abandoned, physically abused by their partners, stigmatized, and ostracized abused by their partners, stigmatized, and ostracized by their communitiesby their communities

Women without ChildrenWomen without Children

In North America, less emphasis is being placed on having childrenIn North America, less emphasis is being placed on having children In a cross-national comparison of industrialized countries, 70% of In a cross-national comparison of industrialized countries, 70% of

Americans disagreed with the statement: “the main purpose of Americans disagreed with the statement: “the main purpose of marriage is to have children”marriage is to have children”

51% of Norwegians and 45% of Italians disagreed with the 51% of Norwegians and 45% of Italians disagreed with the statementstatement

Women who choose to be childfree tend to be well-educated, white, Women who choose to be childfree tend to be well-educated, white, and hold non-traditional beliefs about gender rolesand hold non-traditional beliefs about gender roles Often criticized, isolated, stigmatized, and offered unsolicited Often criticized, isolated, stigmatized, and offered unsolicited

advice (e.g., “you will regret your choice” or “you will be lonely in advice (e.g., “you will regret your choice” or “you will be lonely in your old age”)your old age”)

ConclusionConclusion

Worldwide, the intimate relationships associated with Worldwide, the intimate relationships associated with family are shaped by social expectations and structures family are shaped by social expectations and structures that relate to genderthat relate to gender

In some countries, women are expected to marry young In some countries, women are expected to marry young and have many children; in others, there is more and have many children; in others, there is more tolerance for delay of marriage/childbearing in order to tolerance for delay of marriage/childbearing in order to achieve educational and career goalsachieve educational and career goals The general expectation, however, is that women WILL The general expectation, however, is that women WILL

marry and produce children—and then be the primary marry and produce children—and then be the primary caregivers for those children. This notion transcends caregivers for those children. This notion transcends cultural differences.cultural differences.

Media InfluencesMedia Influences

How we view relationshipsHow we view relationships

Toys & DisneyToys & Disney

ToysToys Product descriptions of 90 toys (for girls)Product descriptions of 90 toys (for girls) Online cataloguesOnline catalogues Analyzed the themes that emerged from Analyzed the themes that emerged from

these descriptionsthese descriptions Emphasis on stereotypically feminine Emphasis on stereotypically feminine

activities such as shopping, dating, primping, activities such as shopping, dating, primping, and nurturing activities and nurturing activities

Emphasis on appearance and fashionEmphasis on appearance and fashion

Appearance & FashionAppearance & FashionBarbie Fashion FeverBarbie Fashion Fever

““a girl needs a great a girl needs a great

outfit and special make-outfit and special make-

up to make an up to make an impression” impression”

DatingDating

It's 7pm on Saturday night. You're all It's 7pm on Saturday night. You're all dressed up and ready for your blind dressed up and ready for your blind date to arrive, when suddenly...the date to arrive, when suddenly...the doorbell rings! doorbell rings!

Immediately, your heart begins to Immediately, your heart begins to pound. Who will it be? What will he pound. Who will it be? What will he be like? What does he have planned be like? What does he have planned for your date? for your date?

It's all a secret until you open the It's all a secret until you open the door and find out. For Meygan, it's door and find out. For Meygan, it's only a secret until you bring home only a secret until you bring home this collectible Secret Date doll and this collectible Secret Date doll and open the box. open the box.

Once you see who her date is, the Once you see who her date is, the two will laugh over smoothies and two will laugh over smoothies and slow dance under a full moon. slow dance under a full moon.

Recommended Age: 6 - 12 yearsRecommended Age: 6 - 12 years

Career..?Career..?““Wearing a pretty floral printed Wearing a pretty floral printed

dress, Teacher Barbie loves to dress, Teacher Barbie loves to

teach kids fashion tips as much as teach kids fashion tips as much as

she loves to help them learn she loves to help them learn math, math,

history and science!” history and science!”

““Every animal's best friend, Pet Every animal's best friend, Pet

Doctor Barbie doll wears a cute Doctor Barbie doll wears a cute

printed lab coat and comes with printed lab coat and comes with

all the accessories needed to all the accessories needed to make make

pets of every kind smilepets of every kind smile” ”

NurturingNurturing

““your child will fall in your child will fall in

love with this 6 in 1care love with this 6 in 1care

center that lets her center that lets her

care for her doll like a care for her doll like a

real mommy”real mommy”

Sports..?Sports..?““Bratz are rockin' their all-Bratz are rockin' their all-

time favorite sports and time favorite sports and

showing the world that it's showing the world that it's

not just about how you not just about how you

play, but about how hot play, but about how hot

you look when you win!”you look when you win!”

Disney Princess MoviesDisney Princess Movies

AladdinAladdin Beauty and the BeastBeauty and the Beast CinderellaCinderella HerculesHercules Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty Snow White & the Seven DwarfsSnow White & the Seven Dwarfs The Little MermaidThe Little Mermaid

Stereotypes: Disney PrincessesStereotypes: Disney Princesses

The damsel in distressThe damsel in distress Weak, dependentWeak, dependent Emotionally volatile & fragileEmotionally volatile & fragile Focused on appearanceFocused on appearance

The Road to The Road to Happily Ever AfterHappily Ever After

1.1. I want “more”I want “more”

2.2. ObstaclesObstacles

3.3. LoveLove

4.4. Feminine WilesFeminine Wiles

5.5. More ObstaclesMore Obstacles

6.6. Saved!Saved!

7.7. Happily Ever AfterHappily Ever After

1. Love1. LoveRomantic loveRomantic love

……conquers allconquers all……is the answeris the answer

...at first sight...at first sight……that grows over timethat grows over time

Non-romantic loveNon-romantic love familyfamily friendsfriends

2. Traditional Roles2. Traditional Roles

Males as the rescuersMales as the rescuers Females as dependent and helpless Females as dependent and helpless Females as passive Females as passive Traditionally feminine qualities, behaviours, and Traditionally feminine qualities, behaviours, and

activitiesactivities SacrificeSacrifice

3. Non-Traditional Roles3. Non-Traditional Roles

Females as the rescuers Females as the rescuers Males as loving and nurturing Males as loving and nurturing Bonding with othersBonding with others

4. Family Structure4. Family Structure

Family Structure

Father Only No Parents Both Parents Stepmother

Ariel Belle Meg AuroraSnow White

Cinderella

Lack of Feminine Role Models!!!

Disney MusicDisney MusicSomeday My Prince Will ComeSomeday My Prince Will Come

Some day my prince will comeSome day my prince will comeSome day we'll meet againSome day we'll meet again

And away to his castle we'll goAnd away to his castle we'll goTo be happy forever I know To be happy forever I know

Part of Your WorldPart of Your World

What would I give to live where you areWhat would I give to live where you are

What would I pay to stay here beside youWhat would I pay to stay here beside you

What would I do to see you, smiling at meWhat would I do to see you, smiling at me

♥ Unrealistic expectations about love/relationships♥ Finding Mr. Right (AKA Prince Charming)

♥ The Fairytale Wedding

♥ “I can change him”

♥ Dissatisfaction with love/relationships♥ Impossible ideals

♥ Perpetuation of the stereotypical roles of women♥Choices are limited due to stereotypes (Gooden & Gooden, 2001)

♥ Self-objectification

Implications?Implications?

Magazines, Music, MoviesMagazines, Music, Movies

MagazinesMagazines

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MagazinesMagazines

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MagazinesMagazines

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MusicMusic

BeepBeep Don’t ChaDon’t Cha My HumpsMy Humps Naughty GirlNaughty Girl

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MoviesMovies e.g., Mean Girls e.g., Mean Girls (2004)(2004)

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