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The gendered behaviors displayed by Disney protagonists
Lucy L Clarke1, Benjamin Hine1, Dawn England2
1Department of Psychology, University of West London, London, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Sociology
|May 21, 2024
Summary
Disney animations consistently portray female protagonists with stereotyped feminine traits. Male characters also display more feminine than masculine traits, suggesting a broader pattern in gendered characterizations across films.
Area of Science:
- Media Studies
- Developmental Psychology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Previous research indicates potential shifts in gender portrayal in Disney animations.
- Analysis often focuses on the "Disney Princess" franchise, potentially overlooking other influential characters.
- Incorporating a wider range of gendered and neutral traits is crucial for comprehensive analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine gendered behaviors in Disney animated protagonists beyond the "Disney Princess" franchise.
- To analyze the evolution of masculine, feminine, and gender-neutral traits in characters over time.
- To understand the implications of these portrayals on children's perceptions of gender.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative content analysis of 39 Disney animated protagonists.
- Films analyzed span from 1937 to 2021, covering a broad historical range.
- Inclusion of a wider array of masculine, feminine, and gender-neutral traits.
Main Results:
- Both male and female protagonists exhibited more feminine than masculine traits.
- Female protagonists were most feminine in earlier animations, with continued stereotyping observed in later films (1990s to 2009-2021).
- Male characters consistently displayed relatively high levels of feminine traits across different time periods.
Conclusions:
- Disney animations persistently present stereotyped female protagonists, potentially influencing young females' behavioral development.
- Further research is needed to explore the implications of celebrating feminine traits in male characters and its impact on boys' behavior and broader gender conceptualizations in children.
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