Once upon a dream : Disney princesses and female gender role perceptions

Abstract

Disney Princess films have been widely acclaimed for its ability to blend fantasy and reality seamlessly, and is commonly associated with its moral educational benefits. However, it can also be the perpetrator of existing inequalities in society. Applying the social construction of gender framework, this study aims to examine whether film portrayals of Disney Princesses affected perceptions of female gender roles, by utilising qualitative interviews. Findings revealed that such films did not have a significant impact for millennial Singaporean women, who believed that the effects of Disney’s gendered representations would be more consequential for children. Despite recognising the deleterious consequences of Disney’s gendered portrayals, participants emphasized their continual support as the psychological gratification they derived from these films took precedence. By examining how millennial Singaporean women perceived such films, this study potentially informs future Disney audiences about the importance of developing critical media literacy skills, to counter Disney’s hegemonic influence.