What the “American Girl” Experience Taught Me about Girlhood in the US

What the “American Girl” experience taught me is that girlhood in the US is incredibly expensive. That girlhood is rooted in consumerism and overconsumption. That girlhood is part fantasy, part reality, and part brand. HOWEVER, I also learned about the importance of understanding American history through the lens of the girl child. Thank you to the College of Arts and Letters at San Diego State University for supporting my research despite how quirky it is! Citations: -Acosta‐Alzuru, Carolina, and Peggy J. Kreshel. ““I’m an American Girl… whatever that means”: Girls consuming Pleasant Company’s American Girl identity.“ Journal of Communication 52.1 (2002): 139-161. -Borghini, Stefania, et al. “Why are themed brandstores so powerful? Retail brand ideology at American Girl Place.“ Journal of Retailing 85.3 (2009): 363-375. -Diamond, Nina, et al. “American Girl and the brand gestalt: Closing the loop on sociocultural branding research.“ Journal of Marketing 73.3 (2009): 118-134. -Mitchell, Claudia. “Theorizing Tween Culture Within Girlhood Studies. Teoksessa Claudia Mitchell & Jaqueline Reid-Walsh (toim.): Seven Going on Seventeen. Tween studies in the Culture of Girlhood.“ (2005): 1-21. -O’Neal, Shane. “Dolls and Drinks for Likes and Clicks.“ The New York Times. (2022). FIND ME AT: Website: Instagram: Business email: drdaleyknowskidlit@ FILMING & EDITING: Camera: Samsung S21 FE Microphone: Blue Yeti Editing Software: Filmora and Canva Music: Epidemic Sound Subscribe!