Advisory Committee Chair
Teaira Mcmurtry
Advisory Committee Members
Jenna Lachenaye
Margaret Jessee
Tonya Perry
Vanessa Vega
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
1-1-2025
Degree Name by School
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) School of Education
Abstract
This phenomenological research study focused on the experiences of rural adolescent girls reading female led multicultural young adult literature with the guidance of a female mentor teacher. Using two multicultural young adult novels one with a strong female protagonist and one with a female antihero protagonist, this five-week study sought to explore the lived experiences of 14 adolescent girls in the rural Southeast. The theoretical frameworks of Radical Feminism (Lawford-Smith, 2022; hooks, 2015; Kreps 1972; Rhodes, 2005), Critical Race Theory (Crenshaw, 1988; Ladson-Billings. 2003; Delgado, 1989; Harris 1993), and Multicultural Young Adult Literature (Nieto, 2002; Fox & Short, 2003; Boyd et al., 2015; Hughes-Hasell, 2013; Bishop, 2003) guided each aspect of this study. These frameworks centered female adolescent experiences, how those experiences intersect with race and class, and how those experiences impact self-esteem. The data collected included a pre and post self-esteem questionnaire, an interview, book discussions (led by the researcher and female mentor teacher), and journal entries. Findings revealed these four main themes along with sub-themes: (1) girls' perceptions of perfection and rebellion, (2) girls’ conceptualization of body and self-esteem, (3) girls’ perceptions of being misunderstood, and (4) girls’ perceptions of protection of self and relying on the support of others. This research underscores the importance of supporting adolescent girls as they grow and develop using a female mentor teacher and multicultural young adult literature with female protagonists.
Recommended Citation
Byers, Candice Kennedy, "Rural Adolescent Girls' Experiences With Female Antiheroes: A Phenomenological Study Of Literature Discussions And Mentorship" (2025). All ETDs from UAB. 6824.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/6824
Comments
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