Colonial Girlhood/Colonial Girls

‘We wear dresses, we look pretty’: The feminization and heterosexualization of netball spaces and bodies

“…Ultimately, the need for females to work to contribute to the development of New Zealand society functioned to privilege a particular and alternative type of femininity – one that celebrates characteristics of heteronormativity as well as physical fitness, determination, cooperation, stamina and strength. Whilst adopting some Victorian traditions (especially those associated with marriage and women’s domestic responsibilities), colonies such as New Zealand also provided space for girls and women to experience some freedom from, and the potential to (re)negotiate, certain Victorian notions of femininity (Moruzi and Smith, 2014). In short, femininity in New Zealand has and continues to be ‘epitomised by “usefulness”’ (Hunter and Riney-Kehrberg, 2002: 136), that is, the belief that women should display domesticity, heterosexuality and femininity whilst also being ready, willing and able (fit) to perform the most laborious of chores and often in rural and rugged environments.…”

Australian Girls' Reading in the First Half of the Twentieth Century: A Survey of the Necessary Approaches

“…Michelle Smith and Kristine Moruzi have recently started doing this by taking a transnational approach to literature for girls, addressing representations of the colonial girl specifically. 11 Catherine Driscoll, on the other hand, notes the various ways that Australian 'bush girls' have been depicted in Australian cultural products. 12 In fusing her discussion with interviews with current country girls, Driscoll employs an interdisciplinary methodology to create a nuanced discussion on country girls' contemporary experiences.…”