The same old story? The portrayal of gender and ethnicity/race in Disney movies and the possible (re-) production of stereotypes over the course of the past 75 years

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Theory
  • 2.1. Diversity
    • 2.1.1. Gender
    • 2.1.2. Race & Ethnicity
    • 2.1.3. Ethnic Minorities
  • 2.2. Stereotypes
    • 2.2.1. Gender Stereotypes
    • 2.2.2. Racial Stereotypes
• 3. Literature Review
  • 3.1. Television
  • 3.2. Children & Television
  • 3.3. Gender & Ethnicity/race in Children's TV
  • 3.4. The Walt Disney Corporation
    • 3.4.1. Business History
    • 3.4.2. The Princess Franchise
  • 3.5. Gender & Ethnicity in Disney Movies
  • 3.6. Adapting the fairy tales
• 4. Critical Discourse Analysis
• 5. Methodology
• 6. Film Analysis & Discussion
  • 6.1. Overview of Movies
  • 6.2. Gender Stereotypes
    • 6.2.1. True (heterosexual) Love
    • 6.2.2. Families, Mothers & Fathers
    • 6.2.3. Demeanour and gender ideologies
    • 6.2.4. Physical Appearance & Sexual Desire
  • 6.3. Racial & Ethnic Stereotypes
    • 6.3.1. Varied racial depiction and its implication
    • 6.3.2. The Coloured Princesses
    • 6.3.3. Language & Accents

Objectives and Key Themes

This Bachelor's thesis aims to analyze the portrayal of gender and ethnicity/race in Disney princess movies, examining the (re-)production of stereotypes over the past 75 years. The study employs critical discourse analysis to explore how these representations may reinforce or challenge societal norms. * The (re-)production of gender stereotypes in Disney Princess films. * The portrayal of racial and ethnic stereotypes within the Disney Princess franchise. * The evolution of these representations over time. * The impact of these portrayals on children's understanding of gender and ethnicity. * The role of Disney as a powerful media influence in shaping cultural perceptions.

Chapter Summaries

1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the thesis by presenting the central research question: How are gender and ethnicity/race portrayed in Disney princess movies, and to what extent do these portrayals (re-)produce stereotypes? It provides a brief overview of the thesis structure and methodology.

2. Theory: This chapter lays the theoretical groundwork by defining key concepts like diversity, gender, ethnicity, and stereotypes. It establishes the framework for analyzing the Disney films by outlining relevant theories of gender and racial representation in media.

3. Literature Review: This chapter reviews existing research on Disney, television (specifically children's television), and the representation of gender and ethnicity in children's media. It contextualizes the thesis within the broader academic discourse on Disney's influence and its portrayal of social issues.

4. Critical Discourse Analysis: This chapter details the chosen methodology: critical discourse analysis. It explains how this approach will be used to analyze the selected Disney films, focusing on the underlying ideologies and power structures embedded within the narratives.

5. Methodology: This chapter outlines the specific methods employed in the analysis, including the selection criteria for the films, the analytical framework used, and the specific aspects of the films that were analyzed. It ensures the research's rigor and reproducibility.

6. Film Analysis & Discussion: This chapter presents the core empirical findings, analyzing the selected Disney princess films using the critical discourse analysis framework outlined earlier. It explores themes of gender stereotypes, racial and ethnic stereotypes, and their interplay within the narratives. This chapter is divided into subsections detailing findings on gender stereotypes (e.g., portrayal of love, family dynamics, demeanour, and physical appearance) and racial and ethnic stereotypes (e.g., varied racial depiction, the representation of "Coloured Princesses", language, and accents).

Keywords

Disney, Princess Franchise, Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Stereotypes, Children's TV, Critical Discourse Analysis, Media Representation, Social Norms, Cultural Influence.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Disney Princess Films

What is the overall purpose of this document?

This document serves as a comprehensive preview of a language analysis project focusing on the portrayal of gender and ethnicity/race in Disney princess movies. It provides a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.

What are the main topics covered in the analysis?

The analysis centers on the representation of gender and ethnicity/race in Disney princess films, examining how these portrayals may reinforce or challenge societal norms. Specific themes include the reproduction of gender stereotypes, the portrayal of racial and ethnic stereotypes within the Disney Princess franchise, the evolution of these representations over time, and the impact of these portrayals on children's understanding of gender and ethnicity.

What is the thesis's central research question?

The central research question is: How are gender and ethnicity/race portrayed in Disney princess movies, and to what extent do these portrayals (re-)produce stereotypes?

What theoretical framework is used in the analysis?

The analysis employs critical discourse analysis to explore the underlying ideologies and power structures embedded within the narratives of the Disney princess films. The theoretical foundation includes definitions of diversity, gender, ethnicity, and stereotypes, and relevant theories of gender and racial representation in media.

What kind of literature review is included?

The literature review covers existing research on Disney, television (specifically children's television), and the representation of gender and ethnicity in children's media. It aims to contextualize the thesis within the broader academic discourse on Disney's influence and its portrayal of social issues.

What is the methodology employed in this study?

The methodology section details the specific methods used in the analysis, including the selection criteria for the films, the analytical framework, and the specific aspects of the films analyzed. It ensures the research's rigor and reproducibility.

How are the Disney films analyzed?

The film analysis uses the critical discourse analysis framework to explore themes of gender stereotypes (e.g., portrayal of love, family dynamics, demeanour, and physical appearance) and racial and ethnic stereotypes (e.g., varied racial depiction, the representation of "Coloured Princesses", language, and accents).

What are the key chapters and their summaries?

The document includes summaries for each chapter: Introduction (sets the stage and research question), Theory (defines key concepts and establishes the framework), Literature Review (reviews existing research), Critical Discourse Analysis (details the methodology), Methodology (outlines specific methods), and Film Analysis & Discussion (presents core empirical findings).

What are the keywords associated with this analysis?

Keywords include: Disney, Princess Franchise, Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Stereotypes, Children's TV, Critical Discourse Analysis, Media Representation, Social Norms, Cultural Influence.

What is the overall scope of the research?

The research aims to analyze the portrayal of gender and ethnicity/race in Disney princess movies over the past 75 years, examining how these representations have evolved and their potential impact on children's understanding of these social constructs. It also considers Disney's role as a powerful media influence.