Can Peppa Pig Help Reflect and Normalise Family Diversity?

A same-sex family of polar bears are to join the cast of Suzy Sheep and Pedro Pony, who all feature on the globally-popular Peppa Pig (and yes the theme tune is now playing on repeat in my head - apologies if it happens to you too!)

In the past, the London Fire Brigade has criticised Peppa Pig and her pals for reproducing gender stereotypes, such as referring to a fire fighter as a ‘fireman’.

This article from the Guardian suggests that Peppa Pig also normalises the traditional nuclear family and ignores the prevalence of family diversity.

However, a new family of polar bears features on an episode entitled ‘Families’. The new family is a same-sex lesbian family.

Stonewall has praised Peppa Pig for their introduction of a same-sex family. It could be asked, though, is a one-off episode enough? Is there more room for greater representation of family diversity? All questions to discuss and think about.

The article makes useful links to some of the key topics and units in sociology, including families, media, gender, family diversity, functionalism and sexuality.