Abstract
The following stasis map explores the presentation of female gender roles through the famous Disney story-telling magic, and how these social constructions affect children’s perception of gender and sex. Upon reading this paper, the intention will result in the examination of references in order to assess whether or not Disney’s presentation of gender roles is beneficial or detrimental for children. In order to accurately evaluate and understand the scope of Disney’s influence and creation of the female construct, this paper will pull information and evidence from a wide-range of academic and popular sources. From these resources, a discussion regarding Disney’s emotional and innocent appeal to young girls will create an outlook of understanding pedagogy and what youth culture sells to children.
Through Disney’s control over children’s media and public pedagogy, the limiting and restrictive feminine mystique ultimately has a detrimental influence on child-development and learning of gender roles. References such as Mouse to Mermaid, and personal communication with Bell, create a well-rounded definition of pedagogy and the various constructions of what it means to be a woman according to the Disney Corporation. In addition, “Gender role portrayal and the Disney princesses” by England et al., as well as “Gender roles in Disney films: Analyzing behaviors from Snow White to Simba” by Hoerrner, examines the ultimately detrimental effect of Disney as the company represents as a teacher of gender roles and social norms to children.