A Feminist Response to Low Levels of Self – Esteem in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

This piece addresses of the nationally low levels of self-esteem in adolescent girls. Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory is used as a foundation in the discussion of self-esteem and identity development in girls. The media, peers, parents and schools are the four primary reasons for low self-esteem. Statistics and studies illustrate the urgent need for intervention. The author argues that the teaching of feminist values leads to an increase in self-esteem in girls’ ages twelve to fifteen. This age bracket correlates with Erikson’s fifth stage of identity development: identity versus identity confusion.