Date of Award
1986
Type
Thesis
Major
Specialist in Education
Degree Type
Special Degree in Education
Department
Teacher Education
First Advisor
Dr. James Brewbaker
Second Advisor
Dr. Lenemaja Friedman
Third Advisor
Dr. Bob G. Henderson
Abstract
Twenty-four novels were selected from the list of Newbery Medal and Honor books because they dealt with contemporary themes and settings. These books have been .analyzed by categorizing each major or supporting adult female character into one of five categories of the "Occupational Prestige Rating Scale'' (Appendix A), based mainly on salary ranges. Major or supporting female characters were categorized by the "Leadership Potential Scale'' (Appendix B), based on leadership qualities described in each of the five groups. Both instruments were developed by the researcher. Two tables of frequency counts indicate the range of major and supporting female characters for adult and adolescent groups. Table 1 indicates a greater number of adult supporting characters appear in Newbery Award books published since 1977. The most frequently used category for adult females is the one which indicates those skilled workers of average income. Table 2 shows that the average (middle) group is also most popular for adolescent female characters. An increase in the number of achievement-oriented adolescent female major characters is noted in books published since 1977. Table 3 shows an "increase in the average grouping of major female adult and adolescent characters in Newbery Award books published since 1977.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Connie C., "An Analysis of the Changing Roles of Female Characters in Newbery Award-Winning Fiction Since 1964" (1986). Theses and Dissertations. 675.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/675
