Gender Roles In Disney Princess Movies

It is harmful for children to have Disney character role models Disney, as far back as many can remember they have had certain roles that were played in all the princess movies. How many can actually remember all the Princes’ names? In all honesty, some may not even have names. It is known that Cinderella’s prince was never called by his name but in one scene. He was always referred to as ‘Charming’ or ‘Prince Charming’. Who knew his name was actually Thomas. The only importance his character was to the story line was the search for his princess who left her glass slipper. Many of the other Princes in the original fairy tales did not have names as well. They were added in by Disney in their films.

Being a “Man” never seemed to be much of an issue in the princess movies, that is until “Mulan” where Mulan needed to act as a man to join the military. But, what does Disney do for the male gender roles in other films? Since being a man in a Disney princess film does not seem possible. “A working definition of alpha male may be unnecessary; although more traditionally associated with the animal kingdom than the Magic Kingdom, it familiarly evokes ideas of dominance, leadership, and power in human social organizations as well.”(Gilam). Disney places alpha roles in other movies such as “Toy Story” or “Oliver and Company”. Where male characters excel and are shown leaders and being on top. While this is still true in the Princess movies, the prince is mainly in charge of ruling.

Boys are jumping and running around being in charge, and hiding emotions to seem tougher. While girls are walking around like they are entitled, and not playing or being a kid like they should. No little girl should stop playing because “Cinderella” did not play. While Disney is trying to improve on this, with a few of the more recent princesses. But, in the end they are still foolish and are only searching for a man who can make them