Britney G. Brinkman

Children's Gender Identity Development: The Dynamic Negotiation Process between Conformity and Authenticity.

In the current study, 45 girls and 41 boys participated in focus groups following a program designed to teach them about social justice. The children articulated the discrepancy between their own gender identity and gender role stereotypes and discussed potential problems with conforming to gender role expectations as well as consequences of nonconformity. They articulated the ways in which gender identity is complex and they described the importance of choice and authenticity. Based on these findings, we present a model of how children’s gender identity develops in relationship to experiences of gender prejudice. In particular, we highlight how children act and react to gender role socialization as part of a dynamic negotiation process. Throughout the current article we strive to highlight the need for an alternative in the gender conformity process for children, with children in the position of power regarding their own gender identity development.

Self-objectification, feminist activism and conformity to feminine norms among female vegetarians, semi-vegetarians, and non-vegetarians

Recent research has suggested that vegetarians may be at an increased risk for developing disordered eating or body image issues when compared to non-vegetarians. However, the results of such studies are mixed, and no research has explored potential connections between vegetarianism and self-objectification. In the current study, the authors examine factors that predicted body surveillance, body shame, and appearance control beliefs; three aspects of self-objectification. Surveys were completed by 386 women from the United States who were categorized as vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, or non-vegetarian. The three groups differed regarding dietary motivations, levels of feminist activism, and body shame, but did not differ on their conformity to feminine norms. While conformity to feminine norms predicted body surveillance and body shame levels among all three groups of women, feminist activism predicted appearance control beliefs among non-vegetarians only. These findings suggest that it is important for researchers and clinicians to distinguish among these three groups when examining the relationship between vegetarianism and self-objectification.

Children’s intended responses to gender-based bullying as targets and bystanders

This study examines gender-based bullying from the perspective of targets and bystanders. A total of 64 children (36 boys and 28 girls; 67% African American) in grades 3–5 were given hypothetical gender-based bullying situations and answered questions regarding their appraisals, intended responses, and barriers to responding. Findings indicated there were significant differences in intended responses and perceived barriers among targets and bystanders. There were also gender differences such that bystander girls reported greater distress and more confidence than bystander boys. Implications for developing anti-bullying programs that offer more effective strategies that are tailored toward targets and bystanders of gender-based bullying are discussed.

College Men’s Experiences of Gender Prejudice

Despite evidence suggesting that men’s experiences of gender discrimination are increasing, there has been little research exploring the topic. This article examines college men’s (N = 145) experiences of gender prejudice and how they respond to the events. Participants most often reported experiencing a hostile or negative comment about men, and the instigators were female and friends or partners of the victim. Most participants reported that they respond by confrontation (70, 48%), followed by a non-behavioral psychological response (34, 23%), non-confrontational response (25, 17%), and not doing anything (16, 11%). Distress level significantly predicted the use of confrontational responses. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

Walking the Walk: Conducting Feminist Community-Based Research

This chapter describes how community-based research can be used to put the principles of feminist science into practice. It provides examples of feminist community-based research projects conducted with youth populations with the goal of promoting social change. Community-based research may encompass a number of specific approaches (such as participatory action research), but in general it emphasizes collaborative work with community members, often giving a platform for the voices of disenfranchised groups. This chapter delineates how collaborative relationships are built by attending to the balance of power between researchers and participants, while recognizing that the degree of collaboration may vary depending upon the needs and interests of the community. The chapter also explores the importance of researchers engaging in reflexivity to increase their awareness of the ways their own values will impact the research process. Finally, ethical considerations when conducting feminist community-based research are explored and best practices are offered.

Relationships are the heart of the work: mentoring relationships within gender-responsive programs for black girls

ABSTRACT Research suggests that the well-being of black girls is often neglected in schools and juvenile justice systems. Gender-responsive programs designed to serve black girls can be beneficial if they focus on developing strong relationships between girls and adults. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 10 black girls and 10 adults at a gender-responsive agency. Staff members and girls discussed the ways mentoring relationships developed at the agency. Themes emerged related to positive relationships (the development of positive relationships, integrity and trustworthiness, perceived support, and role modeling) as well as potential challenges/barriers (challenges to trust, perceived judgment, advice giving, and confidentiality).