A Critical Examination of the Production of 'Kids' in American Culture

Session Submission Type: Panel Discussion

Abstract

Using feminist theory and criticism we examine how ‘meaning is made necessary’ around children. We connect issues of American consumer culture and children. Feminist criticism allows us to interrogate the normalization of some constructions of children at the expense of other, less economically viable and culturally simplistic, constructions. We examine the production of children via social events, marketing strategies, media texts, toys, and technology. We ask who benefits, and what is the effect on children’s gendered/racial identities, children’s social/cultural expectations, and children’s health.

Sub Unit

• Feminist and Women's Studies Division

Chair

• Linda Baughman, Christopher Newport University

Respondent

• Sharon R. Mazzarella, Clemson University