Media advisory: Lessons from 'Mad Men' on sexism in the workplace

LAWRENCE — Barbara Barnett, associate professor of journalism at the University of Kansas, is available to speak with media about the conclusion of “Mad Men,” the popular show’s depiction of women’s issues, gender, its legacy and connection to media issues of today. The show will air its final episode Sunday, May 17, concluding its seven-season run.

Barnett, an avid viewer of AMC’s drama set in the New York advertising world of the 1960s and early 1970s, studies media and diversity, media and popular culture and media in the military. She has published research on how media portrays women: both the victims and perpetrators of violence, as well as women’s health and gender and sports. She said the show is an accurate portrayal of the struggle women faced in the professional world.

"'Mad Men' is a painful reminder that the good old days weren't good for everyone. Anyone who wasn't a white male was pretty much at a disadvantage,” Barnett said. “There were no federal laws to protect women at work at that time, and discrimination and sexism were considered OK and the price you paid for entering a man's world. Homemaker, secretary, nurse, teacher — those were pretty much the accepted options for women at that time. If they ventured off those paths, they could expect a battle.”

Barnett said “Mad Men” makes a point similar to academic studies that argue the women’s movement wasn’t taken seriously at the time, both in the media and in general. The show can also serve as an introduction to the history of advertising and help address serious topics, especially for younger people.

"'Mad Men' should be required. Every man and woman who plans to enter the workforce ought  to watch season one, if nothing else. I use examples from this show in some of the courses I teach when we talk about history of advertising and when we discuss diversity,” Barnett said. “I think it's sometimes hard for younger people to realize that there was a time when women couldn't get into the college they wanted, and it was perfectly acceptable to say, ‘It's because you're a woman, and we're giving this spot to a man.’ Women weren't accepted as bosses. You could be fired if you were pregnant. You could be told you weren't getting a job because a man needed it or wanted it. A few clips from ‘Mad Men’ can help people understand how overt sexism was at that time."

To schedule an interview, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or mkrings@ku.edu