This is Part One of a three-part discussion. Why are middle-aged women these days subject to so much rage and hatred – frequently from people who see themselves as kind and ‘on the right side of history’? What explains the popularity of the Karen meme, which references a stereotypically privileged white woman whom everyone feels entitled to loathe? Why does this age-old misogyny feel so very now? As writer Victoria Smith approached middle age she made her peace with her sagging neckline and having to cope with ageing parents. But the disdain and vitriol she experienced as a woman in mid-life came as a shock. In her acclaimed book Hags: The Demonisation of Middle-Aged Women she traces the prejudice that has been directed towards older women down the ages and explores the prevalence of witch hunts in recent years. Smith joined us on stage at The Tabernacle in London in March 2024, where she was joined by fellow writers Hadley Freeman and Sonia Sodha. Together they explored why women who have the temerity to exist beyond the age at which they are conventionally deemed desirable to men are seen as superfluous to society; and they looked for solutions which can benefit all women – whether they are hags or hags-in-waiting.
This is the first of a three-part discussion. Intelligence Squared Members can listen to all three instalments, including the Members-only Part Three, immediately.
If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all of our longer form interviews and Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
For £4.99 per month you'll also receive:
- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts
- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series
- 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events
- Our member-only newsletter The Monthly Read, sent straight to your inbox
...
Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99:
- Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts
- Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series
...
Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content, early access and much more
...
Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more.
https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is Gene Editing The Next Great Health Revolution? Part II
Is Gene Editing The Next Great Health Revolution? Part I
Jude Law: On Typecasts, Character Acting, and London Theatre
The World Needs Religion Even if it Doesn't Need God
Margaret MacMillan on How War Has Shaped Humanity
Iraq: 20 Years On | Tony Blair on Trial
Iraq: 20 Years On | ISIS, Terror and Extremism
Iraq: 20 Years On | Loss of a Nation
Iraq: 20 Years On | Invasion, Occupation and Failures
Iraq: 20 Years On | The Road to War
Greece vs Rome, with Boris Johnson and Mary Beard
Checking Out: The Industry That Takes Care Of The Dead
What Exactly Is Western Civilisation?
How Our Hobbies Set Us Free
Introducing...Intelligence Squared: Arts & Culture
Who Defines Feminism?
Margaret Atwood, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Elif Shafak & More On Finding Their Voice
Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls
The Afghan Women Who Won't be Silenced
The Betrayal of Female Bodies in Professional Sport
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free