A representação do papel das mulheres nas princesas da Disney

  • Teresa Catarina Pereira da Silva (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

This study explores the strategy adopted by Walt Disney Studios to understand the representation of women in Disney princesses through the creation of diverse narratives. In this way, it seeks to analyze how these narratives and the audience's perception of them influence gender stereotypes. The study provides an analysis of the cultural and social influence exerted by Disney princess films on existing beauty standards and stereotypes, particularly in the context of the development of the feminist movement. A qualitative approach was adopted, using content analysis and semi-structured interviews. In the present dissertation, five Disney princess films were analyzed, from 1937 to 2021. The objective is to understand how Walt Disney redefined the image and meaning of the princess as a female figure through its narratives over time. Semi-structured interviews allow assessing the audience's reception and perception of Disney princess films, aiming to understand how these narratives are interpreted. The selected films for analysis include "Snow White" (1937), "Pocahontas" (1995), "Brave" (2012), "Frozen" (2013), and "Raya and the Last Dragon" (2021). The results of the study allowed us to conclude that there has been an evolution in the representation of women's roles in Disney princesses. Through increasingly egalitarian narratives, Walt Disney has evolved in the representation of its princesses, offering them more opportunities and autonomy. This change accompanies the progress of feminist ideologies and the profound social and cultural transformations that have occurred since the end of the 20th century. These contemporary princesses reveal themselves to be strong and independent, contrary to what happened with the classic princesses. However, despite greater diversity, inclusion, and equality, the ideals of beauty, still persistent in these characters, such as thinness and facial symmetry, reveal a reinforcement of beauty standards and gender stereotypes in society.
Date of Award23 Jan 2025
Original languagePortuguese
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorSimone Petrella (Supervisor)

Designation

  • Mestrado em Comunicação Digital

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