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Gender Roles In Disney Princess Movies

475 Words2 Pages

Until August 18, 1920, women were restricted rights. Throughout history, gender roles were set as women were ineligible to be educated and get paying jobs, leaving them to stay at home to cook and clean. August 18, 1920 was the day it changed for woman. The 19th amendment of the United States constitution was ratified to give women their own suffrage. After this day, women gained more equality, access to education, jobs in the workforce, and a change in domestic role. Although there was still a general prejudice against women, they had a greater chance of living a diverse life. Because of the gain in rights granted to women, it is expected society can move forward from the limitations women had and demonstrate pride. Although this may seem to be the norm, the women in the Disney princess movies take away from women's rights and move a step backwards. Shortly after women start to seek light at the end of the tunnel, Cinderella was released in 1950, which took away from the success for women. Cinderella portrays the old lifestyle of women as she not only cleans all day but depends on a prince to …show more content…

Tiana, the first African American princess, works two jobs and shows little concern of finding a husband. She does not dress in sumptuous dresses and jewels but instead wears plain clothes. Merida also does not want a husband and realizes that her happiness does not depend on a man but her independence. She is a impetuous, strong, and adventurous girl who serves as a good mentor for young girls. Lastly, princesses Elsa and Anna get through the hardships of losing both parents and a failed engagement by relying on each other rather than a man. Disney princesses started off to demonstrate poor morals for young girls, but the recent princesses do a better job of displaying that women are strong and independent and do not need to rely on

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