Child Beauty Pageants Research

What is a beauty pageant? The earliest pageants have been around since the Nineteenth Century (“Beauty Pageants Pros and Cons List”). More modern contests consist of differing portions like talent, swimwear, casual wear, formal wear, and answering questions. Pageant participants may wear altered gowns, professional makeup, and an assortment of hairstyles. About five thousand child pageants are held annually with almost twenty-five hundred thousand young girls entered. Solely in the United States, over two million girls may participate in these contests during the span of a year. Of those two million girls, around seventy-two percent will hire a coach for consulting (“Child Beauty Pageant Statistics”). Children in pageants are expanding in

First, they’re performing on stage and answering questions helps hone their public speaking skills and confidence when talking in front of larger groups of people (“Beauty Pageants Pros and Cons List”). Anna Berry of Littleton, Colorado says that her daughter used to be "so shy she wouldn't order food for herself at a restaurant” and how has "self-confidence, self-esteem, come out of her shell, and made great new friendships" (Healy). Girls also have to possess great discipline in working hard to keep their bodies in shape for performance. With cash prizes sometimes awarded, and many scholarships within reach, pageants can help provide financial relief toward goals of secondary education (“Beauty Pageants Pros and Cons List”). Modeling contracts are even available to winners, giving them a plan for their future. One particular success story states, “For Clark and her granddaughter, the investment paid off. Jayleigh earned $1,800 after winning a crown at the Summerville pageant, and is getting ready to sign a modeling contract in a month. From these earnings, Clark has set aside nearly enough to finance Jayleigh's college tuition” (Schultz). Some even see beauty pageants as "a wonderful way for a family to spend quality time together" (Schultz). Finally, competing helps girls form goals and achieve them. They will have the confidence to pursue their dreams and the self-esteem to motivate them along the