Abstract

This project aims to examine the connection between the evolution of princesses in Disney films and the changing image of women in society. To achieve this goal, I will primarily use comparative film analysis to examine how stereotypes at the intersection of, gender, race, and sexuality are reinforced in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Hand et al., 1938), The Little Mermaid (Clements & Musker,1989), and Frozen (Buck & Lee, 2013). The relationship between feminism and Disney princess films will be drawn by linking the similarities and differences derived from the analysis of the three films to the three waves of the feminist movement. In this study, I focus on how each film continuously position women in service of a patriarchal society through the roles they play. I then discuss how the theme of, love, and marriage partners are central to the three films in different ways. I conclude by questioning the issues of race representation in the three films. By combining the analysis with the three waves of the feminist movement, I conclude that stereotypes in Disney princess films, especially at the intersection of gender, and race, are slowly evolving to address the ideologies espoused by the feminist movement over time. This project helps to understand how the projects of feminism are represented in Disney films, and the relationship between social development and film culture. This will not only make people aware of the importance of feminism, but also of the influence of female characters portrayed in films, and may even play an important role in guiding the development or production of future films.

Advisor

Rousset Simon

Department

Global Media and Digital Studies

Disciplines

Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication | Other Film and Media Studies | Visual Studies

Keywords

Disney princess, gendered stereotypes, sexuality, racism

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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