Disney Princess films have long been the worldwide popular channel and play a significant role in the life of many children’s lives globally. By analysing the Disney princess films over time, the role of women over time can be determined starting from the classic Snow White until Frozen, a current Disney release. This literature brings together seven heroines from Disney princess films: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Mulan, and Merida. Gerbner, Gross, Morgan and Signorielli (1994) theorized that children acquire social perspective, not only from adults and peers, but also through the media. Hence, understanding media’s impact on the children’s perception of their socialization process is crucial. This paper not only investigates
…show more content…
Additionally, it also demonstrated the different gender messages portrayed in the society over time using the seven Disney princess films as example. Before 1980s, the three classic Disney princess films were: Snow White (1937), Cinderella (1950), and Sleeping Beauty (1959). These films demonstrated both female and male perform traditional gender roles. Female were expected to do domestic work and be subservient to males. Male is portrayed superior than female in the storyline of these films. After the 1980s, The Little Mermaid (1989) and Beauty and The Beast (1991) both appear as the new Disney female evolving from the classic Disney Princess films. These two films challenged traditional female roles through promoting the desire to explore in female. Typical Disney theme such as self-sacrifice is found as part of the film message. Negative female stereotype representation such as subservient and abuse relationship in Beauty and The Beast (1991) were discussed. There is strong masculine characteristic represent by the male figures of these two films. In 1998, Mulan emphasised equality among genders. Masculine characteristic was increasing portrayed by female. For example, Mulan joins the Chinese army to protect her family honor. Female is approved to perform male role as revealed by Mulan performing the rescue part to save the Empire and her country. The recent film, Brave (2012), greatly challenges the traditional views on gender role especially on the patriarchal system. Brave (2012) has portrayed the woman as the rescuer going against the traditional stereotype that women are helpless and need men’s help for their success and survival. Merida has greatly represent the modern society women to be independent, not constrain by traditional role of women, adventurous, brave and being able to make decision for own. In general,
Additionally, it also demonstrated the different gender messages portrayed in the society over time using the seven Disney princess films as example. Before 1980s, the three classic Disney princess films were: Snow White (1937), Cinderella (1950), and Sleeping Beauty (1959). These films demonstrated both female and male perform traditional gender roles. Female were expected to do domestic work and be subservient to males. Male is portrayed superior than female in the storyline of these films. After the 1980s, The Little Mermaid (1989) and Beauty and The Beast (1991) both appear as the new Disney female evolving from the classic Disney Princess films. These two films challenged traditional female roles through promoting the desire to explore in female. Typical Disney theme such as self-sacrifice is found as part of the film message. Negative female stereotype representation such as subservient and abuse relationship in Beauty and The Beast (1991) were discussed. There is strong masculine characteristic represent by the male figures of these two films. In 1998, Mulan emphasised equality among genders. Masculine characteristic was increasing portrayed by female. For example, Mulan joins the Chinese army to protect her family honor. Female is approved to perform male role as revealed by Mulan performing the rescue part to save the Empire and her country. The recent film, Brave (2012), greatly challenges the traditional views on gender role especially on the patriarchal system. Brave (2012) has portrayed the woman as the rescuer going against the traditional stereotype that women are helpless and need men’s help for their success and survival. Merida has greatly represent the modern society women to be independent, not constrain by traditional role of women, adventurous, brave and being able to make decision for own. In general,