Growing up Girls : Popular Culture and the Construction of Identity

The intent of this book is to help us better understand the complex relationship between girls and their culture. Informed by a broad range of theoretical perspectives and employing a variety of methodologies, the essays in this collection address the ways that mainstream culture "instructs" girls on how to become a woman - the ways in which the culture approves of "growing up girls." Specifically, these essays examine the messages mainstream culture gives girls about romance, sexuality, life experiences, body image, gender and culture identity, and the way girls themselves negotiate these messages.

Sharon R. Mazzarella received her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. She is Associate Professor of Television-Radio at Ithaca College. Norma Pecora received her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. She is Assistant Professor in the School of Telecommunications at Ohio University.