Josie Cox | The Persistent

Josie Cox

Josie Cox

Josie Cox is a journalist, author, broadcaster and public speaker. Her book, “WOMEN MONEY POWER: The Rise and Fall of Economic Equality,” was released in 2024.

The Poorest U.S. Households Spend 95% of Their Income on Basic Needs

The Poorest U.S. Households Spend 95% of Their Income on Basic Needs

The cost of essentials has risen far faster than incomes over the past two decades, with women facing particular pressure from the growing cost of care.

Mothers of Small Children Make Up Less Than an Eighth of U.S. State Legislators

Mothers of Small Children Make Up Less Than an Eighth of U.S. State Legislators

The numbers of women in state government has risen sharply since 2022, but new research finds that mothers — particularly those with very young children — remain significantly underrepresented.

Are Women CEOs Less Popular Than Their Male Counterparts?

Are Women CEOs Less Popular Than Their Male Counterparts?

Women make up 10% of Glassdoor’s annual top 50 CEOs ranking, roughly matching their representation in corporate leadership. But none cracked the top 10.

Dolly Parton — The One Person America Could Agree On

Dolly Parton — The One Person America Could Agree On

Dolly Parton built an extraordinary life out of songs, rhinestones, ambition and generosity; but her rarest gift may have been her ability to bring people together.

One Possible Reason for the Gender Pay Gap: The Way Women Make Friends

One Possible Reason for the Gender Pay Gap: The Way Women Make Friends

Women tend to form tighter-knit workplace networks, while men are more selective — a difference researchers say could have consequences for careers and pay.

The Best and Worst States in the U.S. for Gender Equality

The Best and Worst States in the U.S. for Gender Equality

Hawaii tops a new ranking measuring gender gaps in the workplace, education and health, and political representation.

How to Make Your Mother Proud

How to Make Your Mother Proud

History is rife with examples of women who effected change, then vanished into obscurity. When it comes to the story of how the 19th Amendment became a reality — irony be damned — it’s no different.

The ‘Triple Penalty’ of the AI Economy

The ‘Triple Penalty’ of the AI Economy

Women are underrepresented in leadership, AI jobs and AI companies — and the disparities could be getting worse.

We Needed Ted Lasso in 2020. In 2026? It’s More Complicated.

We Needed Ted Lasso in 2020. In 2026? It’s More Complicated.

Ted Lasso is back, now coaching a U.K. soccer club’s underfunded women’s team. It’s delightful entertainment, but the ostensibly feminist plotline lacks actual feminist punch.

When a Male Politician Cheats, Voters Look to His Wife’s Reaction

When a Male Politician Cheats, Voters Look to His Wife’s Reaction

A new study shows that a wife’s response to a cheating husband acts as a powerful social signal.

This is What a Congresswoman Looks Like

This is What a Congresswoman Looks Like

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is on Instagram talking about follicles, fertility and the biological clock. It matters.

When the Tide Goes Out, Family Equality Suffers

When the Tide Goes Out, Family Equality Suffers

New research reveals how stubborn gender norms shape decisions about starting a family when a parent loses their job

Are Women Winning or Losing in the U.S. Economy?

Are Women Winning or Losing in the U.S. Economy?

Here’s what the confusing numbers actually tell us.

What We See When We See a Woman’s Body

What We See When We See a Woman’s Body

I have no interest in speculating about whether Ariana Grande is ill or healthy. But I can't stop thinking about what our collective reaction to her body reveals about our culture.

The Power of Imagined Social Norms

The Power of Imagined Social Norms

New research in Pakistan finds that what we think other people believe may shape our behaviour just as much as what they actually believe.

Why I’m Saying Yes to (Some) Unpaid Labor

Why I’m Saying Yes to (Some) Unpaid Labor

Resisting unpaid labor is a feminist move. In the real world, it’s complicated.

The World Cup Has Exposed an Awkward Truth About Work

The World Cup Has Exposed an Awkward Truth About Work

Employers happily rearrange the working day for soccer. Why are they often less willing to show the same flexibility for carework?

What Six Decades of Research Reveals About Women in Leadership

What Six Decades of Research Reveals About Women in Leadership

For 60 years, researchers have tracked attitudes toward female leaders. The latest findings suggest that beneath the undeniable progress lies a more troubling reality.

In Germany, Gender Quotas Changed Who Sat in the Boardroom — But Not Who Held the Power

In Germany, Gender Quotas Changed Who Sat in the Boardroom — But Not Who Held the Power

While Germany's policy to boost the number of women in boardrooms increased female executives, it left the corporate leadership structure untouched.

The Problem Was Never Women's Paychecks

The Problem Was Never Women's Paychecks

A new study challenges one of the most common explanations for why heterosexual relationships are more likely to end when the woman becomes the primary breadwinner.

The Oldest Woman Ever to Fly to Space

The Oldest Woman Ever to Fly to Space

Wally Funk, who was barred from becoming a NASA astronaut in the 1960s despite passing every test, finally flew to space at age 82.

Does Your Boss Want You Back in the Office?

Does Your Boss Want You Back in the Office?

New research suggests leaders with stronger narcissistic traits are more likely to oppose remote work.

No Soccer For You! Argentine Parents Behind on Child Support May Be Barred From FIFA Matches

No Soccer For You! Argentine Parents Behind on Child Support May Be Barred From FIFA Matches

Buenos Aires wants thousands of parents who owe child support barred from World Cup games.

What If Women Aren't Actually Worse Negotiators?

What If Women Aren't Actually Worse Negotiators?

A new study challenges one of the most persistent explanations for the gender pay gap — and suggests we've been measuring negotiation success all wrong.

The AI Gender Gap Is Narrowing. But the Hard Work Is Still Ahead.

The AI Gender Gap Is Narrowing. But the Hard Work Is Still Ahead.

Women have caught up with men when it comes to trying AI, but research shows there’s still a big gap when it comes to confidence, trust and perceived value.