ABSTRACT
Few girls escape the effects of sociocultural influences that undermine or destroy a person’s confidence and motivation. Although each sociocultural factor explored throughout this chapter is independent of the other, they all intersect and overlap, linking a complex network of interrelated developmental needs. From the days of Homer, the friendships of men have enjoyed glory and acclamation, but the friendships of women, in spite of Ruth and Naomi, have usually been not merely unsung, but mocked, belittled and falsely interpreted. Most important in this chapter is the overriding assertion that in our fast-paced culture (which seeks quick solutions to its problems), the four sociocultural factors known to influence loss of potential among gifted girls will not abate because of a boyfriend, a thin body, or the “perfect” school. History teaches the reader that the educational system instills a curriculum almost entirely “derived from male experience and expected women to assimilate to a male model of excellence”.
