Full Equality for Women? Think Again.

Dr. Susan Douglas, Catherine Neafie Kellogg Professor of Communication Studies at The University of Michigan, will present the annual Dominion Lecture sponsored by the James Madison University Faculty Women’s Caucus in the Highlands Room of the Festival Conference and Student Center at James Madison University on Wednesday, April 6 at 7:30 pm.

Douglas’ most recent book, Enlightened Sexism, examines mixed messages about women presented in the media and questions the myth that complete equality for women has been achieved. She will discuss this critique and call to action in her address entitled “From Girl Power to Girls Gone Wild: The Rise of Enlightened Sexism in the Middle.”

Best selling author of Kiss My Tiara, Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress, and Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven, Susan Jane Gilman writes of Douglas’ Enlightened Sexism: “A must-read: Whip-smart, witty, and scathingly insightful. Susan Douglas has penned a brilliant — and often funny — critique of the myths about equality, ambition, and femininity that are currently being served up as ‘reality’ in our media-crazed culture. She challenges those who insist that feminism is outmoded, that strong women are scary and unlovable, and that ‘real’ girl power comes from Botox, a bustier, and the ability to pole-dance in a pair of size-two hot pants. Best yet, Enlightened Sexism offers an antidote to the contradictory messages and predicaments many women experience today. It’s a call to action and an inspiration.”  Douglas is also author of Listening In, Where the Girls Are and co-author of the The Mommy Myth.  Audience members will have an opportunity to speak with Douglas at the book signing and reception to follow the lecture.

The Dominion Lecture is an annual address sponsored by the James Madison University’s Faculty Women’s Caucus. Every year, the Caucus brings to campus a notable woman to speak to students and members of the JMU community about issues vital, challenging and of primary importance to women.

Initiated in November 1975, the series has consistently given the campus a rich diversity of leaders whose voices have energized the spirit and activism of women and men concerned and committed to consciousness raising and progressive action.

The event is sponsored by the Faculty Women’s Caucus, The Office of the Provost, and the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at James Madison University.

This event is free and open to the public. Parking is free in the parking lot adjacent to the Festival Conference and Student Center.