Date of Award

Fall 2021

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Media & Communication; College of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Lisa Holderman

Second Advisor

Alan Powell

Abstract

Many of us grew up watching Disney Films and throughout the last decade and prior, the Walt Disney Company has created a variety of characters whom we grew up alongside. As we watched these films we found ourselves within the characters and learned things through them. This thesis paper aims to analyze Disney Princess Films and their profound effects on Gender and Body image through the theoretical perspective of the Social Learning theory. I will analyze Classic Disney princesses such as Snow White and Cinderella, and modern princesses such as Mulan(1998) and Merida (2011). My critical analysis indicates that Disney characters, specifically princesses, have profound effects on our gender roles and body image and provides research from various studies. From the first Disney princess film Sleeping beauty to the most recent one being Moana, Disney princesses have become more progressive but still lack the qualities present-day viewers possess. Overall, The Walt Disney Company has a prominent role in influencing our gender roles and how we view our bodies and the Social Learning Theory helps us understand why we imitate and possess so many of those characteristics.

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Disney Princess films and their effects on Gender and Body image through the Social Learning theory

Many of us grew up watching Disney Films and throughout the last decade and prior, the Walt Disney Company has created a variety of characters whom we grew up alongside. As we watched these films we found ourselves within the characters and learned things through them. This thesis paper aims to analyze Disney Princess Films and their profound effects on Gender and Body image through the theoretical perspective of the Social Learning theory. I will analyze Classic Disney princesses such as Snow White and Cinderella, and modern princesses such as Mulan(1998) and Merida (2011). My critical analysis indicates that Disney characters, specifically princesses, have profound effects on our gender roles and body image and provides research from various studies. From the first Disney princess film Sleeping beauty to the most recent one being Moana, Disney princesses have become more progressive but still lack the qualities present-day viewers possess. Overall, The Walt Disney Company has a prominent role in influencing our gender roles and how we view our bodies and the Social Learning Theory helps us understand why we imitate and possess so many of those characteristics.