Who is the fairest one of all : shift in Disney princessesparadigm

Abstract

Over the years the portrayal of the princesses in Disneys Princess movies has been debatable. Some argued that the representation of these princesses did not develop over the years. Yet, others believe that these princesses, through time, are becoming more positively portrayed. The purpose of my study is to examine the portrayal of the Disney princesses in animated movies released after 1998. Through a content analysis I watch and analyze the following movies: 'The Princess and the Frog, 'Tangled, 'Brave and 'Frozen. My study regards the following categories in analyzing the behavior and appearance of these princesses: Princesses Goals, Princess worth to the story and values, Princesses love and romance encounter-ship and Princesses Appearance. Results showed that Disney princesses are still stereotyped in matters of love and physical appearance. Yet, the majority of the princesses examined are self-reliant, skilled and have specific goals and dreams stated at the beginning of the movie.