Introduction
Movie characters can have a significant or negligible influence on the audience, altering anything from behavior and cognition to physical appearance. This mirrors how movies influence societal beliefs and behaviors. The Disney Princess series is one of the most popular movie series among children, particularly young girls. In their understanding, children often mimic their favorite movie characters, try to look like them, and ask their parents for similar clothing.
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 affects young girls’ behavior and gender stereotypes, which may restrict young women from choosing to accomplish a wide variety of goals. Hannah Tanner asserts that youngsters who spend much time viewing princess movies are less likely to acquire hegemonic masculinity but are more likely to maintain progressive attitudes toward women (32). In another study, 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 that 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, princess culture has “taught” women to emulate their female role models to become princesses. Therefore, the possibility that young girls would adhere to gender norms rises with increased exposure to princess culture, which can unintentionally cut short their potential. Getting young girls involved in princess culture might 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 that Disney princesses present are unrealistic. Cinderella’s only skills are singing and housekeeping, which are both traditionally considered to be 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. Disney princess movies’ depictions of gender norms can affect young girls’ goals and self-perception. Disney princesses’ stories frequently emphasize meeting true love and getting married to have 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 impact young girls’ expectations of their own lives and restrict their feelings of self-worth by maintaining 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 on their physical attractiveness as a result of this.
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. Disney princess media exposure has been linked in studies to young girls’ body dissatisfaction (Golden and Jacoby).
Young girls are indoctrinated with the idea that these princesses are flawless, and anything that deviates 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 show of monarchy 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 research presented by Hine et al. 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 this related to how they felt a year later. According to the study, girls who connected with Disney princesses the most over time displayed lower body esteem (Hine et al. 50). Girls’ preference for pink clothing is unnatural. Beginning as early as age three, these princesses induce poor self-esteem in girls.
Tanner’s research revealed that these princesses force young girls to view themselves differently because they tend to judge their bodies according to the unrealistic standards of the Disney princesses they adore. Young girls frequently make comparisons to these cartoon characters, which leads to issues with their 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 like television and movies, and like to imitate and learning 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 to 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 emphasize the significance of critically evaluating Disney princess culture’s themes and considering their possible effects on young girls’ mental health. Girls must be encouraged to develop a strong sense of self-worth beyond looks, which requires support from parents, schools, and society. Individuals can assist young girls in navigating the effects of media and forming a healthier and more optimistic perspective on themselves and their capabilities by building a more inclusive and empowered atmosphere.
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 historically were less familiar or restricted to supporting parts. 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 emotions of exclusion, lowered self-esteem, and a sense of belonging when they do not see representations of themselves in the media they watch. 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, giving a more thorough depiction of many origins (Rutherford and Baker 3). More Asian populations were represented with the live-action Mulan adaptation, honoring Chinese culture and including an Asian leading actress. These admirable actions show development toward a more diverse and inclusive Disney universe.
Child Development
High culture participation has a favorable effect on children’s growth. 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). Disney Princesses’ portrayals of character attributes, including focusing on one’s goals, being unique, cooperating with others, and helping others provide the girls with a good outlook and help them develop (Coyne et al. 50). It also aids in establishing a perspective on gender equality and giving women and men an equal chance at 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 save their lives to be complete is frequently emphasized in older princess films, but contemporary princess movies question 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 gives up her life to rescue her father, and in the process, she manages to save all 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 same-named Disney film, is one of the movie’s outstanding examples of empowerment. To replace her father in the army, Mulan violates social conventions and dresses as a man. Young girls are motivated to be strong, speak up for their beliefs, and question conventional gender norms through their ingenuity, perseverance, and bravery in adversity.
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 change 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 significantly influence young girls’ confidence and self-esteem. Young girls are inspired to trust in themselves and their potential by seeing characters that overcome obstacles, take chances, and eventually achieve. 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 help dismantle social barriers and dispel gender stereotypes. Disney movies encourage the concept that females can accomplish anything they set their minds to, despite society’s expectations or gender conventions, by presenting strong, independent, and capable female characters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Disney princess films significantly impact how young girls feel about themselves, behave, and see 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 critical to realize that Disney has worked hard in recent years to address these concerns and promote more diverse and robust 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 may encourage young girls to develop a strong sense of self-worth, defy social norms, and confidently follow their ambitions by providing role models and storylines promoting individuality, abilities, and aspirations. Furthermore, society, parents, and educators are all critical in building a culture that values inclusiveness, equality, and a positive self-image, and critically examining media messages. By doing so, people may help young girls develop good feelings about who they are, what they are capable of, and where they fit in the world.
Works Cited
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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.
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