Introduction
Movie characters can have a significant or negligible influence on the audience, altering anything from behavior and cognition to physical appearance. This is similar to how movies affect society’s ideas and behaviors. The Disney princess series is one of the most famous movie series among children, particularly young girls.
Children like mimicking their favorite movie characters, looking for ways to resemble them, and asking their parents for the same clothes. Youngsters’ development is strongly correlated with the television shows and fictional characters they like, as seen in the delight of young girls dressed as princesses in Disneyland. Disney princess movies perpetuate gender stereotypes, unrealistic body image standards, and limited representation, highlighting the need for diverse, empowering representations of women in media to promote healthy development and self-perception among young girls.
Gender Stereotypes
Early exposure to Disney princesses can influence young girls’ behavior and perpetuate gender stereotypes, potentially limiting young women’s ability to pursue a wide range of goals. Hannah Tanner asserts that youngsters who spend a lot of time watching princess movies are less likely to adopt hegemonic masculinity but are more likely to maintain progressive attitudes toward women (32). In another research, a girl who interacted with the princess more frequently showed signs of stereotypical feminine behavior after a year (Blasko et al. 3).
A common belief among girls is that they cannot do certain things a male counterpart can do, or they dislike something a male may like. For example, they may feel less capable than guys in math and science, and should forgo some crucial learning opportunities because they are women. While most activities women can accomplish are just as good as men’s, the princess culture has “taught” women to emulate their female role models to become princesses.
Therefore, increased exposure to princess culture increases the likelihood that young girls will adhere to traditional gender norms, which can unintentionally limit their potential. Involving young girls in princess culture may influence their development toward certain gender stereotypes. The perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes in Disney films has drawn criticism.
Disney movies are one of the biggest culprits in the continuation of gender stereotypes since they frequently include female characters who are portrayed as damsels in need of male heroes’ assistance. In the famous Disney movie Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora is presented as a vulnerable figure whom Prince Phillip saves. It confirms the myth that women are incapable of managing their lives and are powerless. In Cinderella, the main character is presented as a shy, submissive little girl who depends on her fairy godmother and Prince Charming to escape her constricting situation.
In contrast to pursuing their goals and desires, these images teach young girls that their value depends on meeting a prince and being saved. The continuation of these gender norms in Disney movies affects how young people understand and view the roles that gender plays in society (Blasko et al. 2). Girls’ ability to imagine themselves as strong and independent people is limited when they regularly witness female characters in media who are weak and dependent on their male counterparts, as it reinforces old gender standards.
Additionally, the gender norms and stereotypes presented by Disney princesses are unrealistic. Cinderella’s only skills are singing and housekeeping, both of which are traditionally considered feminine vocations. Disney has affected young girls with romantic actions because of the firm and unfair gender norms and stereotypes in early princess films.
For instance, Snow White is mainly recognized for her beauty. She comes perilously near to being killed because her evil stepmother is so envious of her beauty. According to Coyne et al.’s article, “Princess Power: Longitudinal Associations Between Engagement with Princess Culture in Preschool and Gender Stereotypical Behavior, Body Esteem, and Hegemonic Masculinity in Early Adolescence,” these princess movies present a derogatory representation of gender roles (2417).
Studies cited in this article demonstrate that guys speak more in Disney princess films than genuine ladies. Men remain the main characters in movies about young women, such as princesses. It leads some individuals to conclude that these films instruct young girls to behave “lady-like,” keep calm, and provide a good impression, while the males take over. Girls’ acquisition of these feminine traits is one thing, but Disney movies teach them that acting this way is the only acceptable way to behave.
The notion that a woman always behaves correctly, listens to instructions, and never speaks up is pounded into the films. The depictions of gender norms in Disney princess movies can influence young girls’ goals and self-perception. Disney princesses’ stories often emphasize finding true love and getting married to achieve a happy ending.
In contrast to encouraging young girls to pursue their own goals and dreams, this emphasis may confine young girls’ aspirations to just finding love partners. Disney princess films can influence young girls’ expectations of their own lives and undermine their feelings of self-worth by perpetuating these gender norms. It is essential to offer young girls a variety of inspiring images that value their uniqueness, skills, and goals.
Unrealistic Body Image Standards
Disney’s princesses reflect unattainable beauty ideals. According to Golden and Jacoby’s article “Playing Princess: Preschool Girls’ Interpretations of Gender Stereotypes in Disney Princess Media,” the most admirable quality of Disney princesses is their beauty (5). Young females tend to develop an excessive fixation with their physical attractiveness as a result. If not all, most Disney princesses are tall, slender young ladies with high cheekbones, large eyes, and the “ideal” body type. Introducing these princesses to young girls today creates an idealized picture. Princesses can instill excessive beauty standards due to their looks and behavior, which might result in negative body image and low self-esteem.
Studies have linked Disney princess media exposure to young girls’ body dissatisfaction (Golden and Jacoby). Young girls are indoctrinated with the idea that these princesses are flawless and that anything deviating from them is in no way attractive. Since they are cartoon characters with exaggerated designs, it is only natural that these princesses look flawless.
Teenage girls now aspire to be like these same princesses. In doing so, they are emulating mythical figures that uphold an unattainable standard of perfection in their belief systems regarding beauty and power. The attractive costumes and royal displays that these Disney princesses exhibit are often the only things that young girls who aspire to be them see; they are utterly unaware of the negative psychological impact these princesses have.
These consequences are highlighted by the research of Hine et al., as presented in their article on body image perceptions throughout life. The study examined 198 preschoolers, noting how frequently children played with princess dolls and watched Disney princesses, and how these behaviors related to their feelings a year later. According to the study, girls who identified most with Disney princesses over time displayed lower body esteem (Hine et al. 50).
Like girls, a preference for pink clothing is not a natural inclination. Beginning as early as age three, these princesses induce poor self-esteem in girls. Tanner’s research revealed that these princesses influence young girls to view themselves differently, as they tend to judge their bodies according to the unrealistic standards of the Disney princesses they idolize. Young girls frequently make comparisons to these cartoon characters, which can lead to issues with their body image and weight. Girls as young as five are being prepared for a lifetime of body-image difficulties by their desire to appear like these princesses.
Mental Illness
Through princess interaction, children are more prone to acquire mental disorder habits. Hannah Tanner’s research on diagnosing princesses reveals that the five Disney princesses all suffered from various types of mental illness (Tanner 30). Tanner identified and categorized princesses with various mental disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (45). The five princesses, including Snow White, had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Cinderella had a Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD); Aurora had a severe depressive disorder and Kleine-Levin syndrome; and Elsa had an avoidant personality disorder.
Last but not least, Anna had Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (Tanner 27). As already established, youngsters are easily influenced by media, such as television and movies, and they often imitate and learn from the characters. People who participate in princess culture frequently think that the characters are actual people; therefore, they assume that how the princesses behave is how real people behave.
The Disney princess film has certain moments that can inadvertently influence young children. Young girls like Elsa can learn from her that running away from problems is not the best solution, but rather a better option to work with others and plan for the best solution (Tanner 33). In addition, they can learn from Snow White that it is better to flee from harsh and abusive situations than beg for assistance. Running away is not as easy as it seems, and it may bring them many issues in the future. More mental illness and worse results may result when people avoid difficulties as they mature.
These results highlight the importance of critically evaluating the themes of Disney princess culture and considering their potential impact on the mental health of young girls. Girls must be encouraged to develop a strong sense of self-worth that extends beyond physical appearance, which requires support from parents, schools, and society. By creating a more inclusive and empowering atmosphere, individuals can help young girls navigate the effects of media and develop a healthier, more optimistic perspective on themselves and their capabilities.
Limited Representation
Disney films have drawn criticism for having a narrow variety of representations regarding ethnic and cultural diversity, physical types, and abilities. The movies have broadly used white, slender, non-disabled princesses as the main protagonists for a long time, underrepresenting or stereotyping other groups (Rutherford and Baker 3). The underrepresentation of racial and cultural diversity in Disney movies is one example of inadequate representation.
Characters from various racial and ethnic origins were historically less familiar or restricted to supporting roles. Due to this lack of representation, young girls from marginalized cultures may struggle to discover characters that look like them or reflect their cultural experiences, which can have serious consequences. Young girls may experience feelings of exclusion, lowered self-esteem, and a sense of disconnection when they do not see representations of themselves in the media they consume. Children must be exposed to role models who reflect the wide variety of our world.
Children’s perceptions of their own identities are greatly influenced by media representation. Disney movies have a significant impact on societal conventions and pop culture. When some groups are persistently underrepresented or stereotyped, children and adults may develop prejudices and reinforce discriminatory attitudes and beliefs. There have not been many portrayals of people with disabilities or other abilities in Disney movies.
Characters with impairments are frequently underrepresented or stereotyped in media (Rutherford and Baker 2). A lack of understanding, empathy, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities may result from this lack of representation. Young girls must see disabled people depicted as resourceful, resilient, and actively engaging in society to dismantle societal obstacles and advance inclusion.
Nevertheless, it is essential to note that Disney has taken steps lately to alleviate these worries and enhance representation. Movies like Moana and Frozen feature characters from non-Western cultures, providing a more comprehensive depiction of their origins (Rutherford and Baker 3). The live-action Mulan adaptation, which honored Chinese culture and featured a leading Asian actress, represented a broader range of Asian populations. These admirable actions show development toward a more diverse and inclusive Disney universe.
Child Development
Participating in high culture has a favorable effect on children’s development. Coyne asserts that girls exposed to princess culture as toddlers are “more likely to hold progressive views about women later and subscribe less to attitudes of hegemonic masculinity” (50). The Disney princesses’ depictions of virtues such as focusing on one’s objectives, being distinctive, collaborating with others, and helping others provide the girls with an optimistic outlook and aid their development (Coyne et al. 2427). It also helps establish a perspective on gender equality, providing women and men with equal opportunities in education, employment, and romantic relationships.
Additionally, the Disney princess series, which has women as the main characters, sends a message to young girls that women may be dominant, not just men, discouraging the adoption of toxic masculinity and encouraging the expression of unique emotions. The notion that young women need a male to complete their lives is frequently emphasized in older princess films, but contemporary princess movies challenge this notion.
Disney has improved the independence, competence, and attention to relationships with sisters, relatives, and others other than “Prince Charming” of its protagonists in more recent princess films (Muslim et al. 10). For instance, Mulan from Mulan and Rapunzel from Tangled both flee their homes to accomplish a goal more significant than themselves. Mulan sacrifices her life to rescue her father, and in the process, she saves the entire nation of China. Rapunzel makes her way out of a tower and learns who she truly is. These films inspire young ladies to be brave, bold, and dream big. They give the public hope that not all Disney princess movies are awful and expensive.
Empowerment and Self-Belief
Disney films have greatly aided the empowerment and instillation of self-belief in young females. These movies have taught young viewers that they can overcome obstacles, pursue their aspirations, and make a difference in the world by portraying strong and motivated female characters. Mulan, a character from the Disney film of the same name, is a notable example of empowerment in the movie. To replace her father in the army, Mulan defies social conventions and disguises herself as a man. Through her ingenuity, perseverance, and bravery in the face of adversity, young girls are motivated to be strong, speak up for their beliefs, and challenge conventional gender norms.
Similarly, Moana from the movie Moana exemplifies empowerment through her tenacity and initiative (Silalahi et al. 180). She is on a perilous journey to save her people and discover her true identity. Due to Moana’s quest, young girls are motivated to follow their instincts and respect their skills, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, persistence, and self-belief.
Moreover, Disney movies encourage self-belief by highlighting that people can fulfill their potential and make a positive impact on the world. Characters from The Princess and the Frog and Tangled, like Rapunzel and Tiana, exemplify the strength of will and ambition. They follow their interests and overcome challenges to accomplish their objectives, modeling for young girls the importance of tenacity, resiliency, and confidence in one’s skills. These positive words can have a significant impact on young girls’ confidence and self-esteem.
Young girls are inspired to trust in themselves and their potential by seeing characters who overcome obstacles, take chances, and ultimately achieve their goals. They discover that although failures and setbacks are a normal part of life’s journey, they should not define or restrict their objectives. Additionally, these powerful themes in Disney movies might aid in dismantling social barriers and dispelling gender stereotypes. Disney movies promote the idea that females can achieve anything they set their minds to, regardless of societal expectations or gender conventions, by presenting female characters who are strong, independent, and capable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Disney princess films have a significant impact on how young girls perceive themselves, behave, and view the world. Even though these movies can be entertaining and inspiring, they reinforce unfavorable gender stereotypes, unattainable body image standards, a lack of diverse representation, and the possibility of detrimental mental health repercussions. Young girls’ conceptions of gender roles and self-perception are influenced by the portrayal of female characters as helpless victims, the focus placed on finding true love and marriage as the ultimate goal, and the promotion of an unrealistic beauty ideal. The lack of ethnic and cultural diversity and the underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities and varied body forms all contribute to feelings of exclusion and a limited understanding of what is deemed attractive and successful.
However, it is crucial to recognize that Disney has made significant efforts in recent years to address these concerns and portray more diverse and nuanced images of women. Films such as Moana and Frozen have incorporated characters from non-Western cultures, upending traditional plots and presenting more inclusive depictions. These positive initiatives demonstrate progress in building a more inclusive Disney universe and deserve praise for increasing diversity and representation.
It is essential for media companies, especially Disney, to keep questioning and eschewing harmful stereotypes, promoting realistic body image standards, and offering more varied and empowered images to promote healthy growth and self-perception among young girls. People can encourage young girls to develop a strong sense of self-worth, defy social norms, and confidently pursue their ambitions by providing role models and storylines that promote individuality, abilities, and aspirations. Furthermore, society, parents, and educators are all crucial in fostering a culture that values inclusiveness, equality, and a positive self-image, as well as critically examining media messages. By doing so, people can help young girls develop a positive self-image, a sense of their capabilities, and a sense of belonging in the world.
Works Cited
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Coyne, Sarah M., et al. “Princess Power: Longitudinal Associations between Engagement with Princess Culture in Preschool and Gender Stereotypical Behavior, Body Esteem, and Hegemonic Masculinity in Early Adolescence.” Child Development, vol. 92, no. 6, 2021, pp. 2413–2430. Web.
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Rutherford, Amanda, and Sarah Baker. “The Disney’ Princess Bubble’ as a Cultural Influencer.” M/c Journal, vol. 24, no. 1, 2021, pp. 1–4. Web.
Silalahi, Rachel, et al. “Comparison of Beauty Standards and Body Images on Disney Princesses and Female Villains.” The Journal of Society and Media, vol. 7, no. 1, 2023, pp. 174-192. Web.
Tanner, Hannah. “Diagnosing a Princess: How Portrayals of Mental Illness in Disney Princesses May Influence Children.” Honors Theses, vol. 21, no. 4. 2021, pp. 21–45. Web.