A Discussion on the Quality of Disney Princesses as Role Models for the Girls and Young Women of Today

Rebecca JonesStudent: Rebecca Jones

Over the past 75 years Disney has released numerous animated films, including several films with a Princess as the protagonist. Disney’s aim has been to provide wholesome family entertainment and has been influential in American culture. This presentation will explore the eleven original Disney Princess films, primarily focusing on five of these female protagonists. An analysis of the films and scholarly peer-reviewed articles will provide discussion regarding the quality of the Disney Princesses as role models for girls and young women based on: the characterization of the protagonists (i.e., the way they are animated and their behavior), specifics about the plot, and the lyrics of the songs in each of the films.