Gender messages in girls' puberty books: A focus on parent representation

Abstract

IntroductionThis study provides an ethnographic lens to understand gender messages in girls' puberty books, focusing on the representation of parents in both text and images.MethodsA content and thematic analysis was performed on 22 children's books on girls' pubertal development drawn from Amazon bestselling books on Children's Health & Maturing.ResultsContent analysis results demonstrated an imbalance in the representation of parents in books about girls' pubertal development. Mothers appeared and were mentioned in the text significantly more than fathers. Mothers relative to fathers also were depicted significantly more in illustrations with positive expressions (e.g., smiling) while talking or interacting with their daughters. Fathers were under‐represented and portrayed as relatively stoic actors with no clear role in preparing their daughters for puberty. Thematic analysis of the books reinforced and challenged gender norms and expectations. While mothers were observed as the primary source of support during this transition, some books emphasized fathers' valuable role in advocating for their daughters' well‐being and fostering open communication.ConclusionsImplications for girls' gender role development are discussed.