Aboriginal Girls: Self-esteem or Self-determination?

It is our contention that self-esteem theories and their associated education programs are inadequate as a way forward for Australian Aboriginal students. Our intention is to demonstrate why this is so and to suggest alternative directions. This chapter rests on the premise that without an appreciation of Aboriginal history, culture and politics it is possible to understand neither the ways in which Aboriginal girls relate to their schooling nor the manner in which the education system can better serve their interests. Of necessity our arguments are wide-ranging, dealing first with Aboriginality generally before focusing specifically on women and girls. We deal throughout with both the nature of Aboriginal identity and self-esteem for girls-and their relation to education.