The "Rewriting Motherhood: How TV Represents Moms and What We Want to See Next" event, hosted by the Geena Davis Institute, centered around the presentation of the Institute's latest research. This virtual gathering brought together distinguished panelists from various sectors to discuss the findings and implications of the study. They explored how media portrayals of motherhood align with or diverge from the diverse realities of mothers in the U.S., and the influence these depictions have on societal norms and gender equality.
We were honored to have a distinguished panel of speakers including:
- Geena Davis, Founder and Chair of the Geena Davis Institute
- Madeline DiNonno, President and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute
- Reshma Saujani, Founder and CEO of Moms First
- Dr. Meredith Conroy, Vice President of Research and Insights at the Geena Davis Institute
- Dr. Michele Meyer, Senior Director of Research & Methodologies at the Geena Davis Institute
- Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs, Author and Sociologist
- Vicki Shabo, Senior Fellow at New America and Director of the Better Life Lab
- Danielle Fishel, Actor, Director, and Producer
- Debby Wolfe, Showrunner and Executive Producer of "Lopez vs. Lopez"
- Selenis Leyva, Actress and Activist.
Key Takeaways:
- The event kicked off with the presentation of new research from the Institute which explored how motherhood is portrayed in media and its implications for gender equality. The findings sparked a lively discussion on the need for structural changes in the industry.
- TV representations of mothers often lack diversity and do not fully capture the varied experiences of mothers in the U.S.
- These portrayals can influence societal norms and expectations regarding motherhood and gender roles.
- There is a strong need for more nuanced and inclusive depictions of motherhood on television.
Actionable Insights:
- Content creators should strive to depict a wider range of motherhood experiences, reflecting real-world diversity.
- The entertainment industry can play a significant role in challenging and changing outdated stereotypes about mothers.
- Collaborative efforts between researchers, activists, and media professionals are essential to promote and achieve gender equality through media representation.
Symposium
