Troubling the "Troubled Girl" Narrative: Identity Formation, Ableism, and the Hidden Curriculum

• In Event: 52.083 - Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 52.083-15 - Dis/Ability Identities

Abstract

Informed by intersections of racism, classism, sexism and ableism embedded within the hidden curricula, how does the “troubled girl” come to understand herself as a learner, and a“good” or “bad” girl? One manifestation of the “troubled girl” is the addicted/alcoholic girl. By examining labels and identities that are taken up and/ or rejected using a schooling narrative from a woman (Sara) who identifies as a sober alcoholic, we seek to explore—through Sara’s case study--the expectations of girls and young women, both inside and outside of school. Reflecting back on her schooling narrative, we explore how Sara makes sense of her identity/ identities and how these identities are informed by the medical vs. the social model of dis/ability.

Authors

• Mikela Bjork, City University of New York

• Kylah Torre, City University of New York