For years, Disney has faced criticism from the public for allegedly portraying their characters, especially female ones, in stereotypical ways. Gender roles and their implications play a significant role in society, influencing how viewers perceive themselves and others. Media, with its substantial impact, often shapes societal expectations and norms, further reinforcing these roles.
The Influence of Disney
Disney’s influence extends far beyond its films, impacting numerous aspects of children’s lives. According to a 2013 article by the Columbia Journalism Review, Disney owns a wide range of media and entertainment assets, including film and theater companies, music and radio stations, parks and resorts, publishing houses, and television networks. Beyond movies, Disney’s presence is felt through advertising and merchandise, encompassing toys, games, books, cartoons, and clothing, making it a significant part of children’s daily lives.
Disney’s power and influence are not limited to its broad reach. The company’s stories play a crucial role in shaping children’s perceptions, delivering strong, lasting messages about gender and social norms. As society’s views on gender roles have evolved, so have the characters in Disney films. Historically, Disney’s portrayals of men and women have reflected the prevailing cultural attitudes and expectations surrounding gender roles and identity.
The Evolution of Female Characters
In Disney films, gender roles for both male and female characters are prominently displayed. Over time, the portrayal of female characters has undergone significant changes. Historically, Disney princesses have often been depicted in one of three ways. Initially, many were portrayed as stereotypical damsels in distress, embodying domestic roles. This can be seen in characters like Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty.
Cinderella
Released in 1950, Disney’s Cinderella was based on a Brothers Grimm tale. Despite the original story’s grim nature, Disney transformed it into an idealized rags-to-riches tale that mirrored American postwar culture (Chrisman-Campbell, 2015). Following a similar formula to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella features a romantic storyline, cheerful music, and cute, helpful animals.
Cinderella’s narrative, however, didn’t reinforce gender roles as overtly as some other media of the 1950s. During that era, societal pressures often dictated that women should aspire to be homemakers, finding fulfillment in cooking and cleaning. While Cinderella is depicted enjoying domestic tasks like baking and cleaning, she also dreams of a happier future. As a classic damsel in distress, her escape from a life of servitude is only possible through marriage. This reflects the social expectations of the time, which idealized marriage and the role of women as homemakers and caregivers (Yerby, Baron, Lee).
Disney’s portrayal of female characters has evolved significantly over time. While early characters like Cinderella reflected societal norms of their era, later portrayals have increasingly challenged traditional gender roles, highlighting the Disney’s shifting approach to representing women and their roles in society.
