Features

Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

As Christmas approaches, the children's toy industry goes into overdrive. Rosalyn Ball looks at how girls and boys toys are still unbelievably segregated along strict gender lines.

Published: 16 December 2006 | Category: Culture and Media | Written by Rosalyn Ball

Gifts for Her

It's not only children's gifts that are a problem at Christmas. As Emma Hadfield explains, the options presented as 'gifts for him' and 'gifts for her' are laughably old-fashioned, enforcing traditional roles for women and men. Can't we have gift ideas aimed at individuals with different interests rather two-dimensional stereotypes?

Published: 16 December 2006 | Category: Culture and Media | Written by Emma Hadfield

The New Breastfeeding Taboo

Removing the stigma around breastfeeding has rightly been a worthwhile feminist cause. However, as Cathryn Dagger explains, a dogmatic inflexible view on this issue can lead to a 'holier than thou' attitude in which women who find breastfeeding difficult or painful are made to feel incredibly guilty.

Published: 12 December 2006 | Category: Body and Health | Written by Cathryn Dagger

Fairy Tales are Grimm

Ugly sisters? Evil step-mothers? Prince charming and happy ever after? Dina Jose argues that traditional fairy tales can cause more harm than good, and suggests we need to tell children fun, inspiring stories instead that teach them the right messages.

Published: 11 December 2006 | Category: Culture and Media | Written by Dina Jose

Reviews

Trickster's Choice / Trickster's Queen - Tamora Pierce

Cazz Blase introduces Tamora Pierce's latest fantasy series for young adults, which feature strong heroines and touch on issues of colonialism and race.

Published: 4 December 2006 | Category: Books | Written by Cazz Blase

Like Mother, Like Daughter?

Clare Burgess reviews this collection of short stories for children. Collected by Bel Mooney, the stories all focus on the concept of the mother-daughter relationship. But can this really be seen as a generic experience?

Published: 4 December 2006 | Category: Books | Written by Clare Burgess