Constructing Girlhood: Popular Magazines For Girls Growing Up In England, 1920-1950 (Gender & Society: Feminist Perspectives on the Past and Present)

This Book Explores The Contribution Of Magazines To The Social Construction Of Female Adolescence During A Historical Period Of Rapid Change, And Locates The Role Of Magazines In The Lives Of Girls At This Time. In Addressing This Theme, The Book Examines The Changing Social, Economic, Political And Cultural Conditions Which Shaped, And Continue To Influence, The Experience Of Girlhood. The Author Discusses Key Concepts Such As Adolescence And 'girlhood', And Engages With Theories Concerning The Interpretation Of Gender Relations, Cultural Production, Meaning And Reading. The Chapters Use Life-course Events And Transitions Such As Schooling, Work, Entrance Into Sexual Relationships, Marriage And Motherhood As Their Main Themes. In Exploring These Themes, The Author Considers The Importance Attached To Age And Social Class For The Form And Content Of The Magazines. The Book Also Unravels The Negotiation Of Key Factors Which Contributed To Decisions About What Were Legitimate Concerns For Different Groups Of Girls, For Example, Publisher's Objectives And Culture; Reader Interests; And Ideologies Of Femininity. Such Concerns Remain A Feature Of Media Issues Today. Ch. 1. Introduction -- Ch. 2. Adolescent Girlhood: A Historical Context -- Ch. 3. Magazines, Readers And Editors -- Ch. 4. From School To Work -- Ch. 5. Relationships -- Ch. 6. The Embodiment Of Femininity -- Ch. 7. Conclusion. Penny Tinkler. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 188-201) And Index. This text explores the contribution of magazines to the social construction of female adolescence during a historical period of rapid change and locates the role of magazines in the lives of contemporary girls. In addressing this theme, the book explores the changing social, economic, political and cultural conditions which shaped, and continue to influence, the experience of girlhood. The author discusses key concepts such as adolescence and'girlhood'and outlines theories concerning the interpretation of gender relations, cultural production, meaning and reading.; The chapters use life-course events and changes such as schooling, work, entrance into relationships, marriage and motherhood as their main themes. The author discusses the importance attached to age and social class for the form and content of the magazines and explores the interlinked factors which contributed to decisions about what were legitimate concerns for girls - for example, publisher's objectives and culture; reader interests; and ideologies of femininity. The final chapter outlines the patterns of leisure consumption in this era, providing insights into the changing role of leisure in today's society.