Finding the Beat: How Young Girls Create Self Through Music

• Main Author: Moore, Jen Lynne
• Format: Others
• Published: PDXScholar 2011
• Subjects: Self-esteem in adolescence > Research; Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls (Portland Or.); Girls > Oregon > Attitude; Self-esteem in adolescence > Effect of music on; Social Psychology and Interaction; Sociology of Culture
• Online Access: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1668; https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2667&context=open_access_etds

This Master's thesis examines girls' self-esteem through a qualitative research project held in the summer of 2010 at Portland, Oregon's Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls. I interviewed ten white, middle class girls between the ages of ten and thirteen on various subjects including demographics, self-esteem, music, Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls and finally, experiences and pressures associated with being a girl. One key finding was the unique set of circumstances and experiences present which may foster higher self-esteem: 1) freedom from gender normative behavior; 2) skill mastery associated with learning an instrument; 3) support for a wider range of self-expression; 4) removal of the male gaze and male approval [in a female only space]; and 5) access to female role models. This thesis suggests that through their involvement with the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls, these ten girls experience greater self-esteem.