STEPMOTHERS are portrayed negatively in more than two-thirds of films, a study has found.
Researchers analysed over 450 hours of films and TV shows featuring a stepmother character – including Cinderella, Snow White, Juno and Modern Family – and found overall 60 per cent perpetuate negative stereotypes of stepmothers.
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The most common on-screen depictions show stepmothers as bossy (58 per cent), strict (53 per cent), neglectful (50 per cent), heartless (50 per cent), and manipulative (48 per cent).
While a third (33 per cent) of films portray them as wicked, evil (27 per cent), and cruel (50 per cent), according to the analysis by Even, the dating app created for single parents.
A supporting poll, of 800 single mothers, was also conducted to explore the impact of this media portrayal – finding negative depictions of stepmothers in popular culture has deterred 43 per cent from dating, with 37 per cent in fear of being thought of as the ‘wicked stepmother’.
A striking 77 per cent say this concern was instilled in them from a young age after watching shows and films that perpetuate this narrative.
However, this spell could finally be breaking – with more modern films and TV shows shifting the stepmother stereotype – depicting characters as caring (52 per cent), kind (48 per cent) or beautiful (48 per cent) instead.
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.
“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.”
Beyond the screen, many A-listers are helping to redefine the ‘wicked stepmother’ trope, as 38 per cent of single mums say that stars like Kate Ferdinand, Stacey Solomon and Frankie Bridge have inspired them.
With 44 per cent saying their positive depictions of blended families have helped to change the narrative and 47 per cent report that seeing more positive stepfamily representations in media has encouraged them to date again.
Additionally, 40 per cent are excited about the prospect of being in a blended family, and almost half (45 per cent) appreciate the opportunity to share the parenting load.
Encouragingly, 81 per cent are optimistic about dating again, knowing their kids are open to having a step-parent.
The research, carried out by OnePoll, also found 59 per cent say that expanding the family brings even more support and love for the children.
Dr Fletcher added: “More modern TV and film portrayals are increasingly offering more nuanced and sympathetic depictions of stepmothers.
“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.”
Sarah Louise Ryan, dating and relationships expert from Even, which aims to provide a supportive space for single parents to find partners who help them build a loving family, said: “I’ve seen so many blended family dynamics beautifully unfold and gain acceptance in the public eye, especially over the last decade.
“It’s clear to see that we’ve outgrown the notion that stepmothers, and stepparents in general, are villains.
“With our study revealing that the majority of single mums in the UK feel more optimistic about dating again, knowing their kids are open to having a stepparent.
“We encourage single parents to embrace and celebrate the love, care, and commitment that comes with building a blended family.”
DATING EXPERT SARAH LOUISE RYAN TOP TIPS FOR SINGLE PARENTS WHEN DATING
1. Be true to who you are – The story that people have seen on screen about wicked stepmothers doesn’t have to be your story.
Equally, 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.
2. Be open with your kids, when you feel ready – 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.
3. Take it slow – Start small so they can familiarise themselves with being around your new partner. Slow but steady exposure is key.
4. Find common ground – 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.
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