This book explores the ways in which notions of childhood are being influenced by a rapidly expanding consumer-media culture in the 21st Century. It has been argued that new stages of childhood are being created and defined by childrens role as consumers. The concept of tween, girls aged between 9 and 14, has generated the greatest debate. While the fantasy world of tween offers girls a space to fashion a young, feminine identity it has been widely argued that the consumer-medias messages pressure tween girls to consume and adopt highly sexualised appearances and behaviours.

The author considers how the art of consumption for tween girls is intrinsically linked with their desire for independence and belonging, and how their consumption is interwoven with other important social and cultural influences. 

The book will be of interest to scholars and students in the fields of Childhood and Youth Studies, Cultural Studies, Feminist andWomens Studies and Sociology.

Fiona MacDonald is Research Manager in the School of Social Sciences, Monash University Melbourne, Australia.

Introduction.- 1. Understanding the local, social worlds of pre-teens.- 2. Pre-teen girls desire for freedom and independence.- 3. Consuming Technology.- 4. Stepping Stones to Facebook.- 5. Consuming spaces: pre-teens negotiating their social worlds.- 6. The everyday nature of pre-teen girls lives.- Conclusion: Family, media and locality