Join us for an enlightening discussion with Robyn Ryle, Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies and author of Questioning Gender, as we take an analytical deep-dive into the world of Barbie. Whether you grew up with the iconic doll or are intrigued by the cultural buzz surrounding the blockbuster Barbie movie, this episode pulls back the curtain on how Barbie is more than just a plastic doll—she’s a richly layered symbol ripe for exploring concepts like gender, power, and identity. This episode isn’t just about Barbie—it’s about seeing the connections between toys, media, and the gendered lens through which we understand the world. By analyzing pop culture artifacts like Barbie, we can peek behind the curtain of societal norms and spark meaningful conversations about gender identity, representation, and empowerment.

What You'll Learn:

• Barbie in the Classroom: Discover creative ways educators can integrate Barbie into teaching sociology and gender studies. Robyn shares activities designed to highlight gender concepts like occupational segregation, intersectionality, and media power theory.
• Is Barbie a Feminist Icon or Not? Through lively discussion and audience polls, we tackle one of the most divisive questions in pop culture. Does Barbie challenge the patriarchy, or is she a co-opted symbol of capitalism?
• Barbie and Intersectionality: Explore the evolution of Barbie’s diversity, including the introduction of dolls of different races, body types, and abilities. Do these changes create a truly inclusive Barbie universe—or just a surface-level nod to intersectionality?
• Ken, Alan, and Masculinity: A thought-provoking look into how Barbie reveals underlying ideas about masculinity and the impact of the patriarchy on men, as seen through characters like Ken and the fan-favorite “Weird Barbie.”

Learn why diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is crucial in education, particularly within the field of mass communication.

Best-selling author and educator Vince Filak shares how diverse perspectives enrich learning while exploring the role of social media in DEI, its benefits, and the risks of misinformation. Professor Filak also discusses the way DEI is evolving in classrooms, emphasizing inclusive language and integrated learning. Finally, he offers insights on the future of DEI in mass communication, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and a more equitable media landscape.

What We Talk About:

• The Importance of DEI in Education:
  • Broadening perspectives for a deeper understanding of societal issues.
  • Enhancing student engagement by making learning more relevant and relatable.
  • Fostering critical thinking and challenging existing assumptions.
• The Role of Social Media in DEI:
  • Amplifying marginalized voices and promoting inclusivity.
  • The dangers of misinformation and echo chambers.
  • The importance of critical media consumption.
• DEI in the Classroom:
  • Increasing instructor awareness and inclusivity in teaching materials.
  • Integrating DEI throughout the curriculum rather than treating it as a separate topic.
  • Highlighting diverse voices and contributions in the history of mass communication.
• The Future of DEI in Mass Communication:
  • Continued progress in language and representation.
  • The ongoing need for critical discourse and advocacy.
  • A vision for a more equitable and inclusive media landscape.

About the Guest:
Dr. Vince Filak is a professor of multimedia journalism at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, and the author of six textbooks, including Exploring Mass Communication, Connecting with the World of Media, published by Sage. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and writing, Vince is an advocate for improving media literacy and helping others make informed decisions in an often-chaotic media environment.

Check out his blog, The Dynamics of Writing, where he shares invaluable resources for educators, students, and anyone seeking better tools to understand the media landscape.

A conversation with SAGE author Krisstal D. Clayton, PhD, clinical professor, director of undergraduate programs, and associate chair of academics for the Department of Psychology at the University of North Texas. She is passionate about engaging and inclusive pedagogy, and regularly provides invited talks and workshops on teaching. As a professor, Dr. Clayton is a student favorite known for her gamification techniques, storytelling, and application of fascinating real-world examples to psychology. She is also a consulting editor for the Journal of General Psychology.

Dr. Clayton is coauthor of Essentials of Psychology.

In this podcast, Dr. Clayton discusses the importance of DEI, shares the inspiration behind her writing, and reflects on lessons she has learned throughout her career as an educator and author.