Are you raising your daughter to be an over-pressured sexy supergirl?

I bet that's not a question the parents out there get asked very often!

On the plane back from the NCRW conference in Atlanta, I read two reports of great interest to parents of girls - in fact, to anyone who cares about how girls view themselves, and the role they will be taking in society as they get older.

First, "Report of the American Psychological Association's Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls." (May 2007). It's an easier read than it may sound! You can download a copy from: www.apa.org/pi/wpo/sexualization.html
- or request a printed copy from Leslie Cameron at the APA on lcameron@apa.org

It has all kinds of interesting things to say about a huge range of influences on how girls see themselves (and are seen by others) from toys that encourage a sexualized view of women and girls (think Bratz), through the media and advertising, to the new fashion for "sexy" underwear for little girls (the prime example being a little girl in a thong, an article of clothing that started life as stripper wear....).

The second report comes from Girls Inc, which is a great organization with many effective programs to ensure girls, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, have higher self-esteem and more opportunities. The report, "The Supergirl Dilemma: Girls Grapple with the Mounting Pressure of Expectations", is an analysis of a survey that examined the beliefs of about 3,000 people (girls, boys, and parents). It asked, for example, whether the respondents believe it is true that teachers think it is less important for girls to study math; or whether girls should make marriage one of their life goals. The study looks at girls in 3rd to 12th grade. It is available as a PDF on their website, www.girlsinc.org. Well worth a look.

One of the great things about being at the NCRW conference was the chance to meet so many of the researchers who are creating wonderful research on gender issues in all areas of life, from domestic violence and reproductive rights to workplace issues and international development. I plan to share some of this with you over time, and hopefully wet your appetite for some unguided exploration of what women's studies and gender research can offer to all of us, whether we are parents, employers, students, politicians, service providers, or just plain curious.