Evolution of Disney Princesses and Its Impact on Young Girls

Abstract

From 1937 to the present, Disney produced 13 princess movies in total. Many gender portrayals in these movies are stereotypical, inaccurate, and/or problematic. To explore the effects of these stereotypes displayed in Disney's princess movies on its viewers, this paper reviewed 25 sources to first demonstrate if and how Disney princesses has changed throughout the years. It will then analyze how the evolving portrayal of female characters casts influences on young girls. Results of the study shows that Disney princesses have advanced in terms of their decision-making abilities and leadership skills, but not in their body images and representations. Research also reveals that princess media in-take can cast negative influences on young girls' body esteem, while it is still unclear how young girls will be influenced in terms of their self-confidence as the Disney princess line continues to progress. Possible intervention includes the concept of media literacy and what adults can do to minimize the manipulation of the media on their child.