Never before has so much popular culture been produced about what it means to be a girl in today's society. From the first appearance of Nancy Drew in 1930, to Seventeen magazine in 1944, to the emergence of Bratz dolls in 2001, girl culture has been increasingly linked to popular culture and an escalating of commodities directed toward girls of all ages. This two-volume set investigates the increasingly complex relationships, struggles, obsessions, and idols of American tween and teen girls who are growing up faster today than ever before.From pre-school to high school and beyond, "Girl Culture" tackles numerous hot-button issues, including the recent barrage of advertising geared toward very young girls emphasizing sexuality and extreme thinness. Nothing is off-limits: body image, peer pressure, cliques, gangs, and plastic surgery are among the over 250 in-depth entries highlighted. Comprehensive in its coverage of the 20 and 21st century trendsetters, fashion, literature, film, in-group rituals, and hot-button issues that shape - and are shaped by - girl culture, this resource offers a wealth of information to help students, educators, and interested readers better understand the ongoing interplay between girls and mainstream culture.The entries include: anorexia; Barbie; beauty pageants; binge drinking; body piercing; blog; cheerleading; chicklit; cliques; comics; girl bands; girls and hip hop; Hello Kitty; Jennifer Lopez; Lolita; Madonna; prom; Reviving Ophelia; Riot Grrrls; Senza Tattoo; and text messaging."Girl Culture" contains over 250 entries written by interdisciplinary scholars, and features more than 100 illustrations. It emphasizes multiculturalism and serves as a unique reference for students of American history and culture. Included are a timeline and an extensive bibliography of print and electronic sources.