Latest news with #YoungWomen'sTrust
Cosmopolitan
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Already binge-watched Sirens? Why our obsession with 'eat the rich' TV is the true recession indicator
The storyline propelling Sirens, Netflix's hugely popular mini-series, unfurls quickly and with camp flourish. The five-part series follows Simone (Milly Alcock) as she assimilates into the picturesque New England elite alongside socialite Michaela Kell (an unsettling but chic turn by Julianne Moore). The plot dissolves into something equal parts preposterous and bingeable, which reveals that behind the shimmering facade… wealth can be little more than a gilded cage (yet one we may all hope to find ourselves in). Sirens is just the latest iteration of glossy dramas that place a focus on seeing the moneyed misbehave and befall misfortune. Arguably the biggest television series of the year so far was The White Lotus, with the third season of Mike White's sun, sea and satire of rich guests at a luxury hotel attracting record audiences (the finale drew in 6.2 million viewers, a 30% increase compared to the previous series high of 4.8 million). Meanwhile, Nine Perfect Strangers, which sees wellness guru Masha Dmitrichenko (Nicole Kidman, obviously) lead a transformative wellness retreat for the one percent, has just returned for round two. But why are we seeing a glut of shows focusing on wealth beyond our wildest dreams right now, when most of us are feeling the pinch more than ever before? Since 2020, the wealth of the five richest billionaires has more than doubled - and during the same time, more than five billion people have become poorer. For chartered psychologist Dr Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal, our obsession with observing the lifestyles of the rich and the famous 'reflects a cultural preoccupation with extremes. 'This trend aligns with social comparison theory, wherein individuals evaluate their own circumstances against those perceived as socially or economically superior,' Dhuffar-Pottiwal continues. 'These shows offer aspirational escapism, allowing viewers to vicariously experience opulence. 'The rise of streaming platforms has also normalised binge-watching, creating a lucrative market for sensationalised, high-drama content that glamorises wealth. Clinically, I observe that clients from marginalised backgrounds often describe such shows as a form of 'mental holiday' from financial stress, though this escapism can fuel unhelpful fantasies of unattainable success.' It seems almost paradoxical, particularly during an era of economic uncertainty, that we'd want to see the wealthy flaunt their wad. The ongoing cost of living crisis means people are now struggling to afford the basics; research from the Young Women's Trust revealed that 56% of young women described their financial situation as "uncomfortable" in 2023. The rise in food, housing and energy prices are also seeing women disproportionately affected; a recent survey by Idealo found only one third of women (34 per cent) say they can afford to pay their bills and top up their savings. However, Dhuffar-Pottiwal argues it's because of this economic uncertainty that we find ourselves beguiled on shows about elites. 'This is down to relative deprivation theory, where systemic inequality promotes resentment towards the wealthy while simultaneously heightening curiosity about their lives,' she says, 'Programmes like Succession exploit this tension, offering audiences a voyeuristic glimpse into a world of excess that feels both alien and magnetising. 'Neuroscientific and behavioural addiction research on media consumption suggests that the brain's reward pathways are activated by depictions of luxury, akin to the allure of gambling or compulsive shopping.' Yep, it would seem that watching shows about the affluent is the true recession indicator; look at the popularity of Dynasty and Dallas, which hit screens following the severe economic recession of the early 80s. Likewise, when the economy is good, the television shows we flock to are grittier, or grimier; consider mafia murder series The Sopranos and grotty house-share drama This Life, which hit screens in the nineties. However, what differs in this new era of extreme wealth is the need to see the most loathsome, super-rich, characters fall from grace - and often spectacularly. After all, no-one is truly happy in Succession despite their proximity to millions, while The White Lotus always ends with (at least one) death - and Michaela in Sirens sees her life unravel at lightning speed. 'This reflects a societal demand for catharsis amid growing distrust of elites,' Dhuffar-Pottiwal says. 'Psychologically, this aligns with schadenfreude - the pleasure derived from others' misfortunes - which intensifies when the target is perceived as undeservingly privileged. 'The post-2008 political climate and critiques of 'the one percent' has normalised vilification of the ultra-wealthy. Audiences crave moral equilibrium; seeing the rich punished restores an illusion of fairness in an unequal world.' However, there may be something sadly uncanny in seeing the mighty fall; watching Michaela fearing her husband cheating in Sirens, or the hotel guests of The White Lotus bitterly battling it out for dominance (the toxic trio from season three, we're looking at you), shows how wealth does not necessarily cocoon them from everyday struggles us mere mortals face. 'Material abundance cannot insulate against human fragility,' agrees Dhuffar-Pottiwal. 'Newer television shows about the super rich both simultaneously glamorise wealth and dismantle its mythos.' In presenting us with entitled characters who we're supposed to loathe, while at the same time acknowledging that, deep down, we're not entirely unlike them, TV shows about the super rich are merely twisted, trick mirrors showing us back an ugly, magnified version of ourselves. And it seems we can't get enough. Sirens is now streaming on Netflix Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper's Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michelle Obama has been named the most empowering female role model of 2025
Michelle Obama, Katie Piper and the late Dame Deborah James have been named the most empowering female role models of 2025. A poll of 4,000 adults found the trio topped the list – with music legend Tina Turner, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, climate activist Greta Thunberg and fictional character Bridget Jones also making the top 20. Other powerful women to rank highly include poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, and actress and humanitarian Emma Thompson. Trailblazers like mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, known for making science and data accessible to the masses, and the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who spent her life fighting for gender equality and civil liberties, also earned a place on the list. (Image: Galaxy Chocolate) The study found the traits most valued in a role model are honesty (32 per cent), kindness (30 per cent) and intelligence (27 per cent). The research was conducted by Galaxy as part of its ongoing partnership with the Young Women's Trust, who are on a mission to build a fairer financial future for women. Romi Mackiewicz, director at Galaxy, said: 'We know role models play a critical role in helping lift people up and can positively impact confidence, career and even health. 'Our research shows that women think it's important to have a female role model and it's also shown that we need to celebrate and highlight women who embrace a new definition of empowerment.' It also emerged role models inspire people to make meaningful life changes – from putting their mental health first, to aiming for leadership roles, or simply not being afraid to speak up. Others say they've been encouraged to take time out for themselves, or talk more openly about issues that matter, after being inspired by someone they look up to. On average, almost three in ten (29 per cent) believe the workplace is a key setting for positive role models. However, there is a generational divide, with older generations saying they don't look for role models at all (67 per cent), compared to just seven per cent of Gen Z. For older generations who do look for role models, they seek inspiration from family members or friends (48 per cent). Likewise, Gen Z also turn to family or friends (63 per cent) as their main role models, but are increasingly looking to influencers (34 per cent), the television (28 per cent) and celebrities (23 per cent) too. When asked what type of content inspires them most online, 29 per cent said they're moved by people being honest about the tough times. And 15 per cent said showing authenticity with unfiltered posts is the quality that inspires them most, according to the findings carried out by The Galaxy spokesperson added: 'Our top 20 list highlights women who have stayed true to themselves, standing up for what they believe in, even when faced with criticism. 'We champion women and are partnering with the Young Women's Trust to to help women and their communities thrive. 'We are excited to showcase such an incredibly diverse list of empowered women, celebrate their achievements and also remind brits the importance and power of identifying a role model.' Michelle Obama: Former First Lady Katie Piper: Burns survivor Dame Deborah James: Cancer awareness advocate Tina Turner: Musician Dame Kelly Holmes: Olympic gold medallist Greta Thunberg: Climate activist Maya Angelou: Poet, civil rights activist Oprah Winfrey: Presenter Malala Yousafzai: Activist, Nobel Prize Laurette Emma Thompson: Actress Denise Lewis: Olympic gold medallist Kate Winslet: Actress Hannah Fry: Mathematician Emma Watson: Actress Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Supreme Court Justice Vivienne Westwood: Fashion designer Joan Collins: Actress Selena Gomez: Musician Bridget Jones: Fictional character Nicola Adams: Olympic boxer
South Wales Argus
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Michelle Obama named the most empowering female role model
A poll of 4,000 adults found the trio topped the list – with music legend Tina Turner, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, climate activist Greta Thunberg and fictional character Bridget Jones also making the top 20. Other powerful women to rank highly include poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, and actress and humanitarian Emma Thompson. Trailblazers like mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, known for making science and data accessible to the masses, and the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who spent her life fighting for gender equality and civil liberties, also earned a place on the list. (Image: Galaxy Chocolate) The study found the traits most valued in a role model are honesty (32 per cent), kindness (30 per cent) and intelligence (27 per cent). The research was conducted by Galaxy as part of its ongoing partnership with the Young Women's Trust, who are on a mission to build a fairer financial future for women. Romi Mackiewicz, director at Galaxy, said: 'We know role models play a critical role in helping lift people up and can positively impact confidence, career and even health. 'Our research shows that women think it's important to have a female role model and it's also shown that we need to celebrate and highlight women who embrace a new definition of empowerment.' It also emerged role models inspire people to make meaningful life changes – from putting their mental health first, to aiming for leadership roles, or simply not being afraid to speak up. Others say they've been encouraged to take time out for themselves, or talk more openly about issues that matter, after being inspired by someone they look up to. On average, almost three in ten (29 per cent) believe the workplace is a key setting for positive role models. However, there is a generational divide, with older generations saying they don't look for role models at all (67 per cent), compared to just seven per cent of Gen Z. For older generations who do look for role models, they seek inspiration from family members or friends (48 per cent). Likewise, Gen Z also turn to family or friends (63 per cent) as their main role models, but are increasingly looking to influencers (34 per cent), the television (28 per cent) and celebrities (23 per cent) too. When asked what type of content inspires them most online, 29 per cent said they're moved by people being honest about the tough times. And 15 per cent said showing authenticity with unfiltered posts is the quality that inspires them most, according to the findings carried out by The Galaxy spokesperson added: 'Our top 20 list highlights women who have stayed true to themselves, standing up for what they believe in, even when faced with criticism. 'We champion women and are partnering with the Young Women's Trust to to help women and their communities thrive. 'We are excited to showcase such an incredibly diverse list of empowered women, celebrate their achievements and also remind brits the importance and power of identifying a role model.' Most empowering women of the last 25 years:
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Most empowering women of 2025 - and the messages that make them stand out
A poll of 4,000 UK adults has named the most inspiring women of 2025 - and the messages they share that make them stand out to others Michelle Obama, Katie Piper, and the late Dame Deborah James have been hailed as 2025's most empowering female role models following a survey of 4,000 adults. Other notable names gracing the list include the iconic Tina Turner, Olympic great Dame Kelly Holmes, activist Greta Thunberg, and even the beloved fictional Bridget Jones, who all featured in the top 20. Included among this esteemed roster are pioneering poet and civil rights advocate Maya Angelou, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, and celebrated actress and philanthropist Emma Thompson. As well as mathematician extraordinaire Hannah Fry and the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who also secured a place among the most iconic. This uplifting survey comes courtesy of Galaxy and its collaboration with the Young Women's Trust, which seeks to level the financial playing field for young women. Romi Mackiewicz, director at Galaxy, remarked: "We know role models play a critical role in helping lift people up and can positively impact confidence, career, and even health." Romi added: "Our research shows that women think it's important to have a female role model and highlights the need to celebrate women who embrace a new definition of empowerment." The survey revealed that role models play a crucial role in empowering people to implement significant changes in their lives. These changes include taking on leadership positions, focusing on mental wellbeing, allowing time for self-care, and vocalising issues that matter to them most. The findings highlighted the most appreciated qualities in role models as honesty, kindness, and intellect. Respondents were notably motivated by genuine online portrayals of both the highs and lows of life. A third said they are moved by people being honest about the tough times, and 15% said showing authenticity with unfiltered posts is the quality that inspires them most. Interestingly, the workplace emerged as a vital place for discovering role models. However, a contrast was noticed between age groups : while 67% of adults over 45 don't seek out role models, a mere 7% of Gen Z adults shared this outlook. For those seeking inspiration from role models, 48% of the older demographic and 63% of Gen Z looked to friends and family. However, the younger generation also sought guidance from influencers (34%), television (28%), and celebrities (23%). A Galaxy spokesperson added: "Our top 20 list highlights women who have stayed true to themselves, standing up for what they believe in, even when faced with criticism. "At Galaxy, we champion women and are partnering with the Young Women's Trust to help women and their communities thrive. We are excited to showcase such an incredibly diverse list of empowered women, celebrate their achievements, and remind people of the importance and power of identifying a role model." The most empowering women of 2025: Michelle Obama: Former First Lady Katie Piper: Burns survivor Dame Deborah James: Cancer awareness advocate Tina Turner: Musician Dame Kelly Holmes: Olympic gold medallist Greta Thunberg: Climate activist Maya Angelou: Poet, civil rights activist Oprah Winfrey: Presenter Malala Yousafzai: Activist, Nobel Prize Laurette Emma Thompson: Actress Denise Lewis: Olympic gold medallist Kate Winslet: Actress Hannah Fry: Mathematician Emma Watson: Actress Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Supreme Court Justice Vivienne Westwood: Fashion designer Joan Collins: Actress Selena Gomez: Musician Bridget Jones: Fictional character Nicola Adams: Olympic boxer
