Gender Representation in Disney Film in the light of Feminism - Feature Article

Aug 23, 2026

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Fairytales shape children’s early social imagination, yet women’s portrayal within Disney adaptations raises questions about gendered ideals. This article presents a feminist revision of Disney films, focusing especially on Cinderella, to delineate embedded stereotypes, myths, and shifts in the representation of women. It compares Cinderella (2015) and Cinderella (2021), arguing that feminism has intensified criticism of earlier princess models while newer generations broaden market appeal and affect children’s agency, self and behavior. The portrayal is assessed as a site for constructing gender-appropriate behavior.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Received, Revised, Accepted, Published Dates

Feminist Revision of Disney and Gender Representation

Disney, Fairytales, and Gender Identity

Classifications and Prior Research

Objective

Society and Culture Development in India Vol. 4, No. 1, 2024, pp. 39-54 © ARF India. All Right Reserved ISSN: 2583-0694 [URL: www.arfjournals.com](URL: www.arfjournals.com) [https://doi.org/10.47509/SCDI.2024.v04i01.03](https://doi.org/10.47509/SCDI.2024.v04i01.03) Gender Representation in Disney Film in the light of Feminism Kapou Malakar1 and Anubhuti Dutta2 1Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Tezpur University 2Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Tezpur University Abstract: Fairytales are a staple of every child’s upbringing casting their influence on multiple levels, however, women’s portrayal of them raises questions. The article attempts to make a feminist revision of Disney films and their portrayal in Disney films with special reference to Cinderella. It attempts to delineate the gender representation, stereotypes, and myths embedded in the Disney fairy tales.The article aims to investigate the gender stereotypes and changing trends of representation of women in Disney films with special reference to two films Cinderella (2015), and Cinderella (2021) in the light of feminism and its potential influence on the self and behavior of the children. Feminism has brought forward harsh criticisms for Disney princesses,especially the first and second generation of princesses. On the other hand, new generations of princesses are introduced to satisfy the audience and broaden the market which has significantly influenced the children’s agency. The article assesses the portrayal of fairy tales as a site for the construction of gender-appropriate behavior in children. Keywords: Fairytales and women, Gender representation in folktales, Disney Princess, Feminist film theory Introduction Received : 18 January 2024 Revised : 12 February 2024 Accepted : 20 February 2024 Published : 29 June 2024 TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Kapou Malakar & Anubhuti Dutta (2024) . Gender Representation in Disney Film in the light of Feminism, Society and Culture Development in India, 4: 1, pp. 39-54. [https://](https://)[ ](https://)[doi.org/10.47509/SCDI.2024](doi.org/10.47509/SCDI.2024). v04i01.03 ‘Fairytales’ are the escape routes to the magical world of fantasy. However, many of these carved us into believing in some ‘not so good’ beliefs; a negative image, and dwindling of the self-identity of a woman. Fairy-tale is recorded since the year 1750, and its leading sense is said to be (a) a tale about fairies, or generally a fairy legend; with developed senses,(b) an unreal or incredible story, and (c) a falsehood. Disney rose to popularity in the middle of the first wave and second wave of feminism. Disney socializes gender identity as a motivated invention to represent current ideals during that period pointing to the fact that Disney makes sure to move according to the situation. The intertwined bond between fairytales and Disney films is indisputable. With the evolving concept of feminism, Disney has transformed the film text, the narratives, and the characters with new perspectives on feminism. Disney has evolved from presenting docile, graceful princesses to female leads who are unsophisticated, carefree, independent, and adventurous. Nonwhite princesses have also made an entry through Jasmine in ‘Aladdin’,Tiara in ‘Princess and the Frog’ and Pocahontas who chooses to stay with her tribe.The trajectory of feminine characters has diversified in due course of time. The progression in protagonists like queen, princess, maid, stepmother, and witches not only showcases their powerful voicesand presence but also alters their status and identity as an opposition to the majority. These narratives, according to feminism, directly relate to the foremost images of women that appear to emphasize their significant position in society. Furthermore, the feminist movement addresses the changing appeal of the female voice in Disney Films. Feminist revision of Disney films chastised men’s i

FAQs

What is the main focus of the article?

The article examines the feminist revision of fairytales and how Disney films portray gender, with special reference to Cinderella.

Which Cinderella films does the article compare?

It compares Cinderella (2015) and Cinderella (2021) to discuss gender stereotypes and changing representation trends.

How does feminism relate to the changes in Disney princess portrayals according to the article?

The article links feminist ideas to critiques of earlier Disney princess models and to the introduction of newer princess generations that aim to influence children’s agency and gender-appropriate behavior.

Aug 23, 2026

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