Josie Cox | The Persistent

Oliver Buchannon

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.

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.

Work-Life Balance Isn't the Problem Anymore

Work-Life Balance Isn't the Problem Anymore

The real challenge for modern parents isn't managing their time. It's reclaiming the boundaries that have vanished.

A Social Media Ban Won't Save Our Children. It Could Still be the Right Move.

A Social Media Ban Won't Save Our Children. It Could Still be the Right Move.

Britain's proposed restrictions on under-16s acknowledge that the status quo has failed. The real test, however, will be whether governments can force technology companies to change.

Women Have Always Dominated U.S. Soccer. Why Is No One Talking About It?

Women Have Always Dominated U.S. Soccer. Why Is No One Talking About It?

Women's soccer has never been an alternative version of the sport. It has always been the sport.

Wim Wenders Was Decades Late. His Apology Still Matters.

Wim Wenders Was Decades Late. His Apology Still Matters.

The director's acknowledgment of his failure to protect a 13-year-old actress 50 years ago cannot undo the past. But it offers an example of what genuine accountability can look like.

America's First Supermodel, Buried Without a Name

America's First Supermodel, Buried Without a Name

In the early 20th century, Audrey Munson was the face of beauty, virtue, and nationhood. Then America discarded her.

FIFA is Trying to Tackle Women's Soccer's Biggest Blind Spot

FIFA is Trying to Tackle Women's Soccer's Biggest Blind Spot

The governing body says much of the research used to train and protect athletes is still based on men

The Bonus Gap You Can't See

The Bonus Gap You Can't See

New research suggests male leaders are rewarded for both outcomes and perceived intentions, while women are judged primarily on measurable performance.

Going to the Movies? You’re More Likely to See An Actor Named Chris Than a Woman Over 60 in the Starring Role

Going to the Movies? You’re More Likely to See An Actor Named Chris Than a Woman Over 60 in the Starring Role

Top-grossing films released in the U.K. were also four times more likely to feature a talking animal as the lead character than a woman 60-plus.

The Problem with Reality TV? We Forget It Involves Real People.

The Problem with Reality TV? We Forget It Involves Real People.

What once would have felt invasive, humiliating or cruel, now barely registers as remarkable. The spectacle escalates, viewers acclimatize, and the cycle repeats itself.

Corporate America’s Boardroom Gender Gains Seem To Be Stalling

Corporate America’s Boardroom Gender Gains Seem To Be Stalling

Women’s representation on Russell 3000 boards dipped below the 30% threshold in the first quarter of 2026.

DEI Isn't Dying — It’s Evolving

DEI Isn't Dying — It’s Evolving

A new study finds most companies remain committed to inclusion efforts despite legal and political backlash.

Four Men Are in the Back of a Taxi. Where Are the Women?

Four Men Are in the Back of a Taxi. Where Are the Women?

A high-profile New York congressional race is full of qualified women candidates. As ever, they’ve been left out of the frame.

Women’s Sports Are Thriving. Will Equality Follow?

Women’s Sports Are Thriving. Will Equality Follow?

Audiences for women’s sports are surging and investment is rising. But a mismatch between viewership and advertising is curbing how far the boom can go.