This study offers an examination of gender representations present in the Disney feature-length animations incorporated into the Princess Collection. The import of such films has become increasingly relevant in recent years due to the increased anxiety around media representations and the development of the Princess franchise into a dominant aspect of Disney. In an attempt to test the claims of the existing debate and update the discussion through the inclusion of male protagonists, as well as female, the method of content analysis was adopted to conduct an in-depth analysis of: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and Frozen (2013). This choice of films enables us to trace how these representations have changed over time to reflect the changing attitudes of gender in mainstream society, to answer the question of; to what extent do Disney princes and princesses represent traditional gender stereotypes?
After data was collected the results of the content analysis were interpreted by drawing on literature and situating them within their historical context. The findings have shown that these princesses have evolved
from passive damsels in distress to much more active, dynamic heroines. Whilst the male characters were found to have experienced less change but have become more feminised. However, both were found to still be influenced by traditional stereotypical ideas.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction
The Development of the ‘Mouse House’
Happily Ever After
Chapter 2: Investigating Gender
Stereotypical Ideas of Gender
Explaining Gender Differences
Gender in Hollywood Cinema
Gender Stereotypes in Disney
Chapter 3: The Study
Methodology
Findings
Chapter 4: Discussion
The Damsel in Distress and the Knight in Shining Armour
The Independent Heroine and the Feminised Man
The Post-Feminist Era?
Chapter 5: Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This study examines how gender representations have evolved within Disney's Princess Collection films, investigating whether male and female protagonists continue to embody traditional gender stereotypes or if modern depictions reflect shifting societal attitudes towards gender roles.
- The historical development and cultural impact of the Disney Princess franchise.
- Sociological perspectives on gender construction and stereotypes.
- A comparative content analysis of Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and Frozen.
- The evolution of character traits from passive heroines to dynamic, independent figures.
- The emergence of the "feminised man" alongside traditional masculine archetypes.
Excerpt from the Book
The Damsel in Distress and the Knight in Shining Armour
This era referred to the first three Princess films which are believed to have created a formula for storytelling and an image of the typical Disney heroine as all films followed a similar pattern (Davis, 2005: 226; Maio, 1998). These films marked the beginning of the love conquers all narrative which, as discussed, has since become a staple of Disney fairy-tales, but has received criticism for relying on stereotypes and promoting love as women’s only life choice (Krapfenbaur, 2013). Consequently, these tales are frequently accused of promoting “conservative role-models of men and women, which paint the women as soft and warm and assign them the responsibly for housekeeping while men the protectors and providers” (Krapfenbaur, 2013: 57). Snow White (1937) was chosen to represent this era in the content analysis as this was Disney’s first feature-length animation making it crucial to the studio’s history and the construction of Disney’s princesses, by providing foundations for all those which have followed (Layng, 2001).
The findings support Venkat’s (2015: 37) claim that Snow White is the most stereotypical princess as 87.9% of her behavioural codes were feminine, the highest out of all of the characters coded. Snow White’s top five most commonly displayed traits are also in keeping with the idea that women were portrayed as passive, helpless dreamers in these classics, as she was frequently portrayed as naïve, fearful and child-like. Due to these traits, Snow White was very cheerful and easily led as she failed to sense danger and believed everything could be fixed with a song. However, this led her to get herself into a range of predicaments in which she grew hysterical and needed rescuing from (Brode, 2005). This is demonstrated when Snow White is told to run away by the huntsman and ends up collapsing crying in the woods and is vulnerable without the animals help. Whilst her naivety is most evident when offered the apple by the Evil Queen in disguise, as she believes this to be a wishing apple and takes a bite sensing no harm; Do Rozario (2004: 40) informs us that this scene recalls Eve in the Garden of Eden, generating the idea that women are the weaker sex, susceptible to temptation.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter One: Introduction: Provides an overview of Disney's cultural dominance and establishes the research focus on gender representations within the Princess franchise.
Chapter 2: Investigating Gender: Explores the theoretical framework of gender stereotypes, linking sociological concepts with their portrayal in Hollywood cinema.
Chapter 3: The Study: Details the methodology of content analysis applied to selected films and presents the quantitative findings on character traits.
Chapter 4: Discussion: Analyzes the findings across three historical eras of Disney animation, contextualizing character development within changing social norms.
Chapter 5: Conclusion: Synthesizes the study's findings, confirming that while character representations have become less stereotypical over time, traditional gender norms still exert a significant influence.
Keywords
Disney, Princess, Gender, Stereotypes, Content Analysis, Femininity, Masculinity, Hollywood, Representation, Film Theory, Socialization, Heroine, Patriarchy, Feminism, Post-Feminism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this dissertation?
The research explores how gender representations have changed within Disney's animated princess films and to what extent these characters adhere to traditional gender stereotypes.
Which specific films were analyzed for this study?
The study conducts a detailed content analysis of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and Frozen (2013).
What is the core research question?
The research asks to what extent Disney princes and princesses represent traditional gender stereotypes.
Which methodology was employed to gather data?
The author utilized a quantitative content analysis method, coding character behavior, dialogue, and appearance against predefined masculine and feminine traits.
What are the main thematic areas covered in the analysis?
The study addresses the evolution of the "damsel in distress" archetype, the emergence of the "feminised man," and the impact of the "love conquers all" narrative.
What are the key descriptors for this study?
The work is characterized by terms such as Disney, gender, stereotypes, representation, film theory, and post-feminism.
How does the representation of male characters change throughout the eras studied?
The findings suggest that male characters have become increasingly "feminised" and sensitive, though they often retain traditional masculine roles like being the protector.
Does the study conclude that Disney has successfully abandoned gender stereotypes?
No, the study concludes that while there is progress towards more diverse and active heroines, Disney continues to rely on traditional gender archetypes to maintain the appeal of their fairy-tale narratives.
How does the film 'Frozen' challenge conventional Disney tropes?
Frozen is highlighted for replacing the traditional romantic lead with a narrative centered on sisterhood and for featuring characters with more gender-fluid behavioral traits.
- Quote paper
- Megan Hilditch (Author), 2017, Behind the Magic. An Examination of Gender Representations in Disney Princess Feature-length Animations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/373435
