Tween Girls' Dressing and Young Femininity in Singapore: Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast?

This book explores tween girls' cultural identities and young femininities in Singapore through their dressing practices. It adopts a girl-centered approach and draws on conversations with young Singaporean girls aged 8 to 12 to understand their motivations, inspirations, and social factors that influence their dressing choices. It challenges the assumption of a single dominant way to grow up as a young person in Singapore and highlights the multi-faceted nature of girlhood. The book offers new perspectives on girls' adult-like dressing and contributes to the advancement of girls' studies in Asia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of girls' cultural identities and young femininities by exploring the fascinating realm of tween girls' fashion choices in Singapore. Through a girl-centered approach, it sheds light on the often overlooked narratives and experiences of young Singaporean girls, providing a deep understanding of their desires and motivations when it comes to dressing. By engaging in candid conversations with young Singaporean girls aged 8 to 12, the book unravels the intricate threads that shape their fashion choices, revealing the sources of inspiration and the societal factors that influence their style decisions.

What emerges from this insightful exploration is a nuanced understanding that challenges the notion of a singular, "correct" way to grow up as a young person in Singapore. The book unveils how young Singaporean girls navigate their cultural identities through clothing that defies simple conformity or reflection of their roles as students. It reveals the multifaceted nature of girlhood in Singapore, where the values and meanings that tween girls attach to their dressing intersect at the personal, social, and cultural levels.

In addition to shedding light on the complexities of girls' fashion choices, this book offers a fresh perspective on girls' adult-like dressing that moves beyond the discourse of sexualization. It creates a space for young Singaporean girls to articulate their perspectives, offering a valuable contribution to the field of girls' studies. By centering the narrative on tween girls in Asia, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue and advancement of girls' education and empowerment on a global scale.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between culture, identity, and fashion among girls, particularly in the context of Singapore. It provides a rich and nuanced perspective that challenges prevailing notions and opens up new avenues for exploration and understanding.

Weight: 285g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811695131
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022