Valley girl. What is Known About the Mentality of Los Angeles Women?

Los Angeles residents are well acquainted with the stereotypical socio-economic image of a young woman from the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. This is about the Valley girl. The term originated and became popular in the 1980s, influenced by the culture and music of that time. Read more at losangeleska.

“Valley girl”: Stereotypes

This image is often associated with specific speech manners, clothing styles and behavior, for example:

• The speech is characterized by slang and high pitch (elevated intonation) and infantile mannerisms, featuring a distinctive Californian dialect. For many interlocutors unfamiliar with the dialect, expressions may appear as questions
• Valley girl has a well-groomed look, branded, often sporty style and bright makeup
• The interests of such girls revolve around shopping, boys, parties and popular culture
• When describing the mentality of such girls, it is worth adding frivolity and superficiality, obsession with appearance and material values, and personal achievements..

The male equivalent is “Val dudes.”

Definition from the Oxford Dictionary

According to the dictionary, a “Valley girl” is a rich girl interested in shopping and appearance. This image is considered typical for girls and women living in the San Fernando Valley in California. Thus, the stereotype focuses on wealth, social class, beauty and materialism.

In addition to this stereotype, it is essential for girls to prove their competence and intelligence. Research conducted has confirmed the hypothesis that Valley girls are associated with a higher class and level of wealth. People call them Southern Californians.

This concept was introduced thanks to Frank Zappa’s song “Valley Girl,” who recalled how the satirical tune from 1982 became an unexpected radio hit.

Los Angeles was depicted in films and music, but the Valley was often overlooked. After the release of Frank Zappa’s song in 1982, the population of the Valley grew more than five times by 1980, from 228,000 to over 1,000,000 people.

It’s also important to mention the 1983 film titled “Valley Girl,” starring Nicolas Cage and Deborah Foreman. The movie contained several clichés related to the lifestyle of these girls, including trips to the mall, sunbathing and attending parties. It is a kitschy cover version of a teen romantic film that came out in the early ’80s. At that time, pop radio played in cars, and stations competed for the top spot. The plot revolves around two teenage lovers from feuding families. The main characters, Jessica and Randy, meet at a house party in the Valley.

The main character of the movie “Clueless,” played by Alicia Silverstone, is considered a Valley girl, even though she is from neighboring Beverly Hills.

An interesting fact is that Drew Barrymore noted in her memoirs in 2015 that she speaks like a true “Valley girl,” as she lived in Sherman Oaks, a neighborhood in Los Angeles located in the San Fernando Valley, from ages 7 to 14.

Evolution of the Stereotype

The term “Valley girl” has evolved over time and has become less common, as modern Los Angeles women have more diverse interests, professions and values. For example, a study on regional linguistic ideologies was conducted in California in 2007. The results showed that Californians themselves do not consider the term “Valley girl” to be very widespread.

So, what is a true Valley girl? She fits the following characteristics:

• She regularly visits Menchie’s, which offers up to 36 flavors of low-fat and fat-free frozen yogurt, along with over 50 toppings including fruits, sauces, syrups, candies and chocolate. The location is at 13369 Ventura Blvd
• Her neighbors are families living in houses. Children come to these Valley girls on Halloween
• She doesn’t care about street parking, because it’s available 24/7 on her street
• To experience a unique cultural diversity, she doesn’t need to travel to Koreatown, Little Tokyo or Little Ethiopia. No, in fact, all of this and even more can be found in the Valley
• An evening date always includes a quick walk to the Mulholland Drive overlook
• You love coming home at night from another city because then you’ll get to drive over the hill into the illuminated Valley. Such a view adds special associations. 

By exploring many sources, one can conclude that this is far from an entire list of things or habits characteristic of a true Valley girl.

The mentality of women in Los Angeles: Attitude towards money

Financial issues are often the cause of arguments and sometimes even divorces. For example, a study by National Debt Relief shows that 3 out of 5 Americans consider postponing marriage with a partner who has debts. This means that 60% of American women believe that their partner’s debt is a serious reason not to increase their level of responsibility.

The attitude of Los Angeles women towards money can differ significantly from that of men. For instance, women are paid less for the same jobs that men do. Young girls are also encouraged to pursue careers in caregiving, teaching and similar fields. Accordingly, money becomes a means of control.

In Los Angeles, a city of opportunities and high expenses, men feel constant pressure to earn a paycheck, while women feel pressure to look perfect. To make a good first impression on a date, a woman needs nice clothing, a manicure, makeup, a handbag and other accessories.

First dates and sex: Values of women in Los Angeles

The opinions of LA women and their attitudes towards first dates and initial intimacy can vary. The thing is, in such a multicultural city, liberal and more tolerant views on sexuality are formed. For example, women mention that if they arrange to meet during the day, it’s usually for coffee or tea. They leave their schedules open afterward because if they really like the person, they can spend a bit more time together.

Many women in the city share the following values:

• The pursuit of financial and emotional independence. Women in Los Angeles work hard to build their careers. They do not wish to limit themselves to just the roles of mother or wife.
• Openness to new experiences, which also applies to their sexual lives.
• The desire for equal relationships, where both partners have the same responsibilities and rights.

A traditional first date in Los Angeles typically involves dinner or meeting at a bar after work. Modern dates tend to be more casual, and traditional roles of men and women are changing. Women have become much more likely to make the first move.

Another interesting aspect is the popularity of active dates, such as yoga classes or hiking. This helps relieve tension and saves time by combining a planned activity with getting to know a new guy.

When it comes to having sex after a date, there are no established rules or deadlines. According to a 2014 American study, about 48% of people waited several weeks before having sex, while 35% did it immediately after the first date.