Description
Book SynopsisUrban girls are marginalized by poverty, ethnic discrimination, and stereotypes suggesting that they have deficits compared to their peers. This book explores the diversity of urban adolescent girls' development and the sources of support and resilience that help them to build the foundations of strength that they need as they enter adulthood.
Trade ReviewComing from multiple disciplinary perspectives and employing diverse methodologies, the contributors emphasize the girls’ and young women’s strength in creating safe spaces with family, friends, and mentors; claiming their sexuality; and developing personal and public resistance strategies. Taken together, the essays are a valuable contribution to the field of gender studies, urban ethnography, and adolescent development, and would appeal to various readers, including activists and undergraduates. * Choice *
Offers a significant contribution to the field of gender and adolescent development. Using cutting edge theory and research, it opens windows into the lives of a diverse group of adolescent girls. By emphasizing the social context of these girls’ lives, the contributors illustrate the complex interplay between individuals and the relationships with which they engage and the choices they make. -- Lauren E. Duncan,Smith College
This new edition of Urban Girls is a rare gem. In fact, you won't find another book that comes even close to offering the range and depth of understanding you'll read in these pages. This is a book about the complexity of urban girls lives that situates their struggles, hopes, and dreams in relationships with friends, families, schools, neighborhoods, and community centers. Anyone who wants to have a real conversation about policies and practices that support girls strengths and resilience should read and use this book. -- Lyn Mikel Brown,author of Girlfighting
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Preface by Niobe Way Introduction: Urban Girls: Building Strengths, Creating MomentumBonnie J. LeadbeaterPart I. Resituating Positive Development for Urban Adolescent GirlsPart II. Safe Spaces RevisitedPart III. Culture, Parents, and Protection Part IV. Resistance: Personal and Political Part V. Claiming Sexuality in Relationships: Taking Stock and Gaining Control Part VI. When Adversity Is Overwhelming-Then What?About the ContributorsIndex
