Native American Princess Pageants

Understanding Cultural Identity and Representation

Sebahattin Ziyanak and Steven Aicinena

This book delivers a systematic investigation of Native American princess pageants, exploring when and why they started, how they spread across and within Native American communities, the ways in which these pageants differ from other contests (such as Miss USA), the workings of the pageants themselves, and their socio-cultural costs and benefits.

Lexington Books

Pages: 202 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-1-66696-821-7 • Hardback • October 2024 • $105.00 • (£81.00)

978-1-66696-822-4 • eBook • October 2024 • $45.00 • (£35.00) (coming soon)

Subjects: Social Science / Ethnic Studies / Native American Studies, Social Science / Sociology / General, Social Science / Statistics

Native American Princess Pageants

Understanding Cultural Identity and Representation

Hardback

Summary

This book delivers a systematic investigation of Native American princess pageants, exploring when and why they started, how they spread across and within Native American communities, the ways in which these pageants differ from other contests (such as Miss USA), the workings of the pageants themselves, and their socio-cultural costs and benefits.

Details

Lexington Books

Pages: 202 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-1-66696-821-7 • Hardback • October 2024 • $105.00 • (£81.00)

978-1-66696-822-4 • eBook • October 2024 • $45.00 • (£35.00) (coming soon)

Subjects: Social Science / Ethnic Studies / Native American Studies, Social Science / Sociology / General, Social Science / Statistics

Author

Sebahattin Ziyanak is associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas Permian Basin.
Steven Aicinena is retired professor of kinesiology at the University of Texas Permian Basin.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Beauty and the Beautiful
Chapter 3: American Beauty Contests: Their History, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Chapter 4: Three Queens and the American Dream
Chapter 5: The History and Functions of the World’s Cultural Pageants
Chapter 6: The Advent and Proliferation of Native American Princess Pageants
Chapter 7: Native American Princess Pageant Participation Requirements
Chapter 8: Native American Princess Pageant Judging Criteria
Chapter 9: Native American Princess Pageant Costs, Benefits, and Post-Crowning Duties
Chapter 10: Why do Native American Women Serve as Princesses?

Reviews

Explaining why 'beauty pageants' and Native American princess pageants are beneficial to women can be challenging. This book captures many of the most positive parts of the journey, and recognizes the hard work, talent, and ambition that’s required to participate. Whether you are the person who ends up with the crown or not, the value for many of us is in the process, and it can positively impact generations of women.

— Tatum Hubbard, Miss Texas 1998

Native American Princess Pageants: Understanding Cultural Identity and Representation is a fascinating read. Sebahattin Ziyanak and Steven Aicinena underscore the value of unraveling the multiple issues involved in Indigenous pageants. This well-researched book vividly provides insights into Native American princess pageants, culture, and community.

— Peter J. Longo, University of Nebraska at Kearney