Disney Princess Movies, On Gender Stereotyping - 2319 Words

Introduction Founded by Groves in 1999, the Cultivation Theory came into existence (Graves, 1999). The theory states that exposure to television develops social behavior and norms. At a young age, we are only just entering the stage in their lives where we are beginning to think for ourselves and develop our own personal beliefs and values. Our minds are gullible and can be easily manipulated. This particular empirical study analyzes the effects due to media, specifically Disney princess movies, on gender stereotyping. Gender stereotyping can be defined as common generalizations used to describe gender roles in society, specific attributes associated with each gender, and the differences between each. Many a time, gender stereotypes are†¦show more content†¦Literature Review Roles Throughout the Disney films, traditional feminine and masculine characteristics are exhibited by each respectively through behaviors and decisions (Graves, 1999). Thompson and Zerbinos(1995) conducted a study consisting of 89 children (ages four to nine years) to analyze their interpretation of how female and male characters are presented in Disney movies. The results displayed that boys were more active and aggressive, while girls were viewed as loving, domestic, and concerned with their appearances (Thompson and Zerbinos, 1995). In Cinderella, for instance, Cinderella is portrayed as a â€Å"slave† to her step-mother. She is mainly found doing domestic work, such as cooking and cleaning, without complaint. She even sings and smiles throughout. Domestic work is used as an act of submission to the superior of the female character and is shown as a method to gain love from others. Charlotte, from The Princess and the Frog, is constantly shown doing housework as well. Her mothe r is even known as â€Å"the finest seamstress in New Orleans,† as sewing is highly associated with female characteristics (Towbin et al, 2008). As can be explained via the cultivation theory, the ideology demonstrated by Disney films that domestic work is a female chore causes girls and boys to form that particular social standard and follow it just so. Even today, the role of the woman was shown to be motherly and house