65. Stepmothers

Big Reputations

This episode we welcome our very first guest co-host, Rebecca's sister Brooke, and we give the month off to new mom, Kim. We discuss the role of stepmoms, in our own lives and in general. From the bad to the good, and everything in between. We define the term and explore how it has evolved over the past several centuries, including the introduction of the stepmom in stories and fairy tales. Then we explore the fairy tale side of things in more depth, looking into the ways in which adaptations of these tales have perpetuated the myth of the wicked stepmother. But we also consider some positive media representations as well. Next we compare the expectations of stepmoms and stepdads and discuss cultural expectations for women in this role. Finally we explore the mental health impacts, both positive and negative, of the stepmom role on women, from their families to society in general.

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Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois

Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo

Music: Shawn P. Russell

Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell

Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois

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Sources:

• “Parenting Stress, Perceived Child Regard, and Depressive Symptoms Among Stepmothers and Biological Mothers,” by Danielle N. Shapiro and Abigail J. Stewart
• “The Myth of the Evil Stepmother,” by Ali Francis
• “In the Shadow of a Fairy Tale: On Becoming a Stepmother,” by Leslie Jamison