investiGaming - Research Findings on Gender and Games

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investiGaming is a publication of the Serious Game Design group in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media at Michigan State University, 2007-2009

This gateway is partially supported by grant 0631771 from the National Science Foundation.

The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent Michigan State University or the National Science Foundation.

The Ten Emerging Truths: New Directions for Girls 11-17: Executive Summary

Author: Girl Scouts of the USA
Date: 2003
Source: New York, NY: Girls Scouts of the USA
Full Text Link:

Available at Girl Scouts of America at (http://www.girlscouts.org/research/publications/original/ten_emerging_truths.asp)

Synopsis:

Through surveys and personal interviews, girls’ hopes, dreams, fears, interests, self-images, and visions for an ideal program designed “by and for them” are explored.  Implications are made for adults working with preteen and teenage girls in the Girl Scout program settings.

Keywords:

report, learning, what women want, gender identity

Abstract:
The Ten Emerging Truths: New Directions for Girls 11-17 study explores:

* Girls' hopes, dreams, fears, interests, and self-images
* Girls' vision for an ideal program designed "by and for them," including activities and products
* Implications for adults working with preteen and teenage girls in program settings

The findings of this study have served as a directional tool for GSUSA's efforts to translate the research into action. The 3,000 girls ages 11-17 who participated in the study laid the groundwork for the creation of STUDIO 2BSM, an exciting new program option for girls 11-17, where girls can "Become, Belong, Believe, and Build."

Insights from this publication will be helpful in girl retention and recruitment, training, adult development, communications, fund development, and planning for youth development organizations working with girls.

Implications for Game Industry:
No Implications have been written for this entry.

Research Highlights:
- Girls wanted to see programs designed “by and for them.”
- The findings laid the groundwork for the creation of the new program STUDIO 2BSM, and will help professionals who work with girls.
- Girls ages 11-17 typically turn to their mother when they need help with a problem.
- Most girls ages 11-17 think there are benefits for having all girl groups since it is easier for them to relate to other girls, talk about issues they can’t discuss in front of boys, be themselves, and look how they want to look.
- Girls ages 11-17 feel as if they have more pressures or worries than boys do. They are worries about getting a reputation and feel that they have to act like someone else by doing better, acting smarter, and looking better than they do.
- Girls ages 11-17 want to identify with adults.