Sexualization of Girls

presents:Sexualization of Girls

Patrice Gray

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Sexualization Defined• The process of making a

person, group or thing sexual

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Sexualization of Girls• There is an influx of highly

sexualized imagery projected at girls

• Sexualized messages are received from– TV– Radio– Retailers– Community and more

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Impact on Development• Choate and Curry suggest that

when these images and messages are reinforced at home, by peers, adults, or via hidden curriculums, girls begin to limit their academic achievement, career aspirations, and psychological well-being (2009).

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Dangers of Sexualization• Youth is a time of identity, physical

and emotional development• Influx of imagery becomes

normalized and negatively shapes development

• Girls begin emulating images seen in the media

• Preoccupation with their image and how they are perceived by others

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Stereotyping Girls• Some stereotypes portray girls as

lesser than boys– “Girls are not good in math or

science.”– “That’s a man’s job.”

• Communicates that girls shouldn’t pursue certain things– Won’t be successful because of their

gender– Not for you because of their gender

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Taking Action• The

American Psychological Association’s Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls recommends extensive counseling programs involving research, practice, education and training, public policy, and public awareness (2007).

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Choate & Curry’s Plan1. Student gains self-awareness

through large-group workshops

2. Student may seek or is placed in small-group counseling sessions

3. Student may seek or is placed in individual counseling

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Making Girls MatterWhat started out as a class project has turned into a movement to Making Girls Making Girls MatterMatter. I am passionate about the future of our girls and I challenge you to become a part of the solution.

~Patrice Gray

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References• American Psychological Association. (2007). Report of the APA

Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved February 4, 2011, from http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report.aspx.

• Choate, L., Curry, J. (2009). Addressing the sexualization of girls through comprehensive programs, advocacy, and systemic change: Implications for professional school counselors. American School Counselor Association, 12, 213-222.

• LeCroy, C. W. (2004). Experimental evaluation of “Go Grrrls” preventive intervention for early adolescent girls. Journal of Primary Prevention, 25, 457-473.

• Peter, J., Valkenburg, P. (2007). Adolescents’ exposure to a sexualized media environment and their notions of women as sex objects. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 56, 381-95.

• Polce-Lynch, M., Myers, B. J., Lilmartin, C. T., Forssmann-Falck, R., & Kliewer, W. (1998). Gender and age patterns in emotional expression, body image, and self-esteem: A qualitative analysis. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 38, 1025-1049.