Disney Princesses: Elements Of Anti-Feminism In Films

Stover (2013), a researcher from the University of Southern California, used historical events to test her hypothesis that Disney princesses represent elements of anti-feminism that aimed to control and discourage feminism. Stover (2013) analyzed the characteristics of Disney and compared them to the historical events that were happening during the production of the films. Her purpose was to examine both the evolution of Disney and the relationship between the representation of women in society and the post-feminist ideology. The author found her hypothesis strongly supported as she saw that the events that were happening during the release of the films reflected the depiction of the Disney princesses. Though there were changes in the portrayal of gender roles over time especially during the Modern era, these characters were still used as instruments in selling empowerment to the female consumer. The author concluded her paper with a recommendation that children should be provided with better role models not adorned with jewelries and crowns, but with strong personalities and better goals and aspirations.

Setoodeh (2011) discussed how the princess brand is becoming a successful marketing tool. The writing of this article stemmed from rising popularity of the Disney princesses and their merchandises. She stated that the beginning of the brand and how the popularity the Disney princesses led to the making of this market. The writer mentioned examples of how these female protagonists influence women. Since women want to feel like a princess, they buy materials that make them feel that way. Although the author cited several ways of expanding the brand such as new princess movies, Disney princess-inspired clothes, and other gimmicks, she ended with a challenge stating that it’s still a person’s responsibility to have their own “happily ever