The 21st century disney princess : an analysis of gender roles

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the possible advances in the portrayals of gender roles of the two most recent Disney princesses when compared to those portrayed by the first two princesses. A review of published literature is featured discussing the acquisition of gender roles, gender stereotypes and Disney’s princesses. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Cinderella (1950), Brave (2012) and Frozen (2013) were analysed for prominent signs using semiotics and Barthes’ concept of myth. These signs were then discussed in four themes: physical appearance, personal characteristics, the princesses’ daily roles and their ‘happy endings’ with princes/males. The discussion shows how when compared to the first two princesses, the most recent princesses show less stereotyped gender roles. Snow White and Cinderella were analysed as portraying very stereotypically feminine gender roles whilst Merida from Brave (2012) and Anna from Frozen (2013) both showed more androgynous characteristics. Merida and Anna were also very active in their film’s endings and their ‘happily ever after’ did not depend on intervention from a prince. Therefore, it seems that Disney is advancing in the right direction towards promoting less stereotypical gender roles and creating more positive role models through their 21st century princesses. However, the effect of the eldest Disney Princess films remains a threat since they are constantly being passed on from generation to generation and being re-released and re-watched by children. These findings will serve to encourage more educators and parents to think about the media they are showing their children and how they could affect their gender role development.