How can we help girls develop a sharp, critical perspective on gender inequality without dampening their ambitions? How do we guide boys to recognize how rigid gender roles harm them too? With the popular Netflix series Adolescence sparking intense discussions about gender attitudes and aggression, these questions are more pressing than ever. And how can we educate kids about the harmful effects of the "tradwife" trend spreading on social media?
In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, host Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the psychological impacts of both online and offline sexism with Jo-Ann Finkelstein, clinical psychologist and author of Sexism and Sensibility. Their conversation uncovers the damaging gender messages young people receive through social media — and offers practical solutions.
This episode is ideal for both adults and tweens.
Featured Expert
Books
Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered And Resilient Girls In The Modern World by Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD
Research References
Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study (e Clinical Medicine)
Adolescents’ Modern Media Use and Beliefs About Masculine Gender Roles and Norms (Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly)
Additional Links
Blog: The Feminist Parenty, Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD
Time Code
00:00 Introduction
00:34 Meet Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein
02:00 The Tradwife Phenomenon
04:39 Understanding Sexism and Its Impact
05:58 Raising Empowered Girls
09:14 Involving Boys in the Conversation
25:45 Navigating Social Media Influences
30:50 Conclusion and Resources
Whether it is about a specific episode, a related topic or anything else, Dr. Ruston and the Screenagers Team would love to hear from you.
Record your question here and Dr. Ruston will try to answer them in upcoming Podcast episodes.