Why It’s Important to Have Role Models and Where to Find Them
By Mary Kaitlin Enright
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Perhaps you have been imitated before, maybe by a friend who buys similar clothes to you, or by a younger sibling or cousin who mimics your behaviors. This is something we do to our role models—the people we look up to. It’s a natural part of the human psyche.
On a psychological level, this is due to something called “vicarious reinforcement,” which Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D. describes as a “tendency to commit a behavior that someone else gets praise or attention for [which] increases almost as much as if you were actually getting the rewards yourself.” This is particularly true when we are children, yet, having people to look up to is just as—if not more—important as we get older. It is no secret that we garner happiness from achieving what we hope to, whether socially, academically, professionally, etc. This is based on a theory called “actualization” by neuroanatomy physician Kurt Goldstein, which was popularized by Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The theory states that as human beings, we desire the achievement of our full potential, which is based on our personal perception of that potential.
Yet, how we perceive our potential is influenced by those who came before us. For example, I know what self-actualization looks like because I saw it through my mom, an intelligent and wildly successful businesswoman and one of the most selfless and compassionate women I know. As a result, as a child, I had a built-in female role model to show me the blueprint to self-actualization.
Having someone (or several someone(s)) to look up to is particularly important for young women, who often need extra support in the self-confidence and self-assurance arenas. A Microsoft study in Europe found that there is a clear link between role models and an increased passion in young females for STEM subjects and careers, as well as greater self-confidence. Furthermore, a study by The Glass Hammer and Accenture found that 83% of female survey respondents in tech who wanted a C-suite job also had an identifiable role model. So, ladies, we’ve gotta find ourselves some role models!
However, this is easier said than done. With many industries being dominated by men, and moreover, many influential societal leaders being exposed for unethical behavior, it can be hard to remember there are positive role models out there for young women. So, I’m here to remind you. No matter what direction you’re going, there is a female role model out there for you.
Going into politics? Check out Jacinda Ardern, prime minister of New Zealand.
Interested in journalism? A classic and forever iconic option: Gloria Steinem.
Are you a businesswoman in the making? Whitney Wolfe Herd has entrepreneurship on lock.
An aspiring athlete: Simone Biles is a boss.
Is medicine your mission? Meet the couple who were behind the COVID-19 vaccine.
Shooting for the stars? Christina Koch is out of this world.
And that list is far from complete. More role models include: the entirety of the U.S. Women's Soccer team, Ronda Rousey, Margaret Atwood, Greta Thunberg, Michelle Obama, Venus and Serena Williams, Malala Yousafzai, Frida Kahlo, Amanda Gorman, Robin Coste Lewis, Sheryl Sandberg, Naomi Osaka, Oprah Winfrey, AOC, Angela Merkel, Chloé Zhao, Nicki Minaj, Amal Alamuddin Clooney, Adwoa Aboah and so many more.
There are also plenty of ways to discover your own role models. One of my favorites is listening to podcasts! Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress features a new guest each week, typically female, who has led a particularly inspiring life (I highly recommend her episode with Gloria Steinem). There are plenty of other great podcasts too:
Or this website, that gives you a whole list of podcast by inspiring women
For something a little more experiential, you could go a different route:
Stay in touch with and talk to your favorite teachers and professors
Spend some extra time with females in your family that you find particularly inspiring
Seek out mentors via coworkers, managers, friends of friends, or otherwise
MasterClass Online Classes is a great way to learn from role models (not free, but a great resource!)
Other resources include movies and documentaries, like:
Dream, Girl: The Documentary
Maiden
The Hate U Give
The Help
Wadjda
Or check out this list of a few more!
Or you could go the written route, with books such as:
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Gender Outlaw by Kate Bornstein
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Redefining Realness by Janet Mock
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir
Icons: 50 Heroines Who Shaped Contemporary Culture by Monica Ahanonu
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
And so, so many more
No matter what route you go, just find someone to look up to! Role models are a very important part of learning, growing, and becoming who we want to be, and it’s up to you to find who can be a part of that.
Now, go get inspired!
