Smart girls in the media: The impact of popular culture on the development of adolescent rural gifted girls' identity and subsequent talent development

Abstract

Popular culture is recognised as having an influence on young people but its impact on the talent development of adolescent rural gifted girls is underresearched. While models of female talent development define the personal attributes and environmental elements that consistently influence gifted women's lives, no existing models have explicitly addressed the impact of popular culture, or rurality, on the talent development process. The research that was the basis of this chapter showcased the voices of adolescent gifted girls from a rural setting in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, speaking on this topic. Gagné's (2008) work framed this examination of the catalysts and impacts within their lives. The girls involved in this study described popular culture as being both supportive and disruptive. Two key responses emerged: a literal, uncritical response that built connections with peers; and a critical response regarding stereotypes in media images. For these girls, popular culture was a source of information and a guide to lifestyle; the research suggested that despite the challenges its presence creates in their lives, it could be used judiciously to support talent development.