Stepmothers are negatively depicted in over two-thirds of films, according to a recent study. The research involved analysing more than 450 hours of film and TV content featuring a stepmother character, including Cinderella, Snow White, Juno, and Modern Family. The findings revealed that 60% of these perpetuate negative stereotypes about stepmothers.
The most frequent on-screen portrayals depict stepmothers as: bossy, strict, neglectful, heartless, and manipulative. Furthermore, a third of films portray them as wicked, evil, and cruel. Many admit that this narrative was ingrained in them from a young age after exposure to found the analysis by Even, a dating app for single parents.
Dr Harriet Fletcher, lecturer in media and communication at Anglia Ruskin University, who helped analyse the findings, said: “Tales of wicked stepmothers stretch back as far as Roman times. Many of the familiar stereotypes originate from 19th-century fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and Snow White.”
She pointed out that, “While fictional, these media portrayals have real-world consequences, influencing perceptions and creating challenges for women stepping into blended families. Studies have shown that these portrayals can impact women by shaping perceptions and expectations of the stepmother role.”
A supplementary poll of 800 single mothers was conducted to investigate the effects of this media representation, revealing that negative portrayals of stepmothers in popular culture have discouraged 43% from dating due to fear of being labelled as the ‘wicked stepmother’.
A significant 77% admit that this was also ingrained in them from a young age after exposure to shows and films that perpetuate this narrative of being a ‘wicked’ stepmother. However, there seems to be a positive shift in this stereotype as more contemporary films and TV series are portraying previously neglectful characters as caring, kind or beautiful.
Dr Fletcher commented: “The movie Juno marked a significant shift by presenting a normalised, positive and supportive relationship between a stepmother and stepdaughter. In TV, Modern Family challenges the gold-digger stereotype by depicting Gloria, a young wife, as compassionate and caring toward her adult stepchildren.”
Off-screen, numerous celebrities are playing a role in reshaping the ‘wicked stepmother’ trope, with 38% of single mums citing inspirations such as Kate Ferdinand, Stacey Solomon and Frankie Bridge.
A total of 44% acknowledged that these positive portrayals of blended families have helped alter the narrative of what it means to be part of a one, while 47% reported that seeing more positive stepfamily representations in the media has encouraged them to consider dating again.
Four out of ten single mothers are enthusiastic about the possibility of joining a blended family, and almost half welcome the chance to share parenting responsibilities. Encouragingly, 81% are hopeful about dating again, knowing their children are receptive to having a step-parent.
The research, conducted by OnePoll, also discovered that 59% believe expanding the family provides additional support and love for the children.
Sarah Louise Ryan is a dating and relationships expert from Even. She said: “many blended family dynamics beautifully unfold and gain acceptance in the public eye, especially over the last decade.”
It’s not your job to prove people wrong on this stereotype, so be your authentic self. Think to yourself “what others think of me is none of my business”- being true to who you are is real confidence.
When children see healthy and loving relationships unfold, it’s a wonderful foundation for their future, as it will be the base in which they form their friendships, let alone romantic relationships.
Start small so they can familiarise themselves with being around your new partner. Slow but steady exposure is key.
Showing interest in the person you are dating’s children will help to build trust and connection.
Going on outings and excursions gives you something to talk about, which will help form connections, as doing new activities together creates new neuropathways in the brain, and so each person will remember those special initial meetings and moments.
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.
