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.”

Explore how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) shape the way we communicate, learn, and connect in this insightful conversation with Dr. Vince Filak, renowned Mass Communication professor and author. In part 2 of a 2-part podcast on trends in Mass Communication (listen to part 1 here, part of the Sage College Publishing Podcast channel), Vince discusses the power of DEI to broaden perspectives, foster critical thinking, and create a more inclusive media landscape. From sharing his evolution as an educator to emphasizing the role of integrated representation, he offers practical advice for making DEI a meaningful part of education and media. You’ll also hear his thoughts on social media’s dual influence—both as an amplifier for marginalized voices and a platform for misinformation. Whether you're in the classroom, the newsroom, or just curious about building a more inclusive society, this episode will inspire reflection and action.

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.