“They’re not as confident that they can do well in maths and science. They’re less likely to try and experiment with things”. They are shown these princesses, many of whom depend on a man to save them (think Sleeping Beauty), and told that’s what they should like.
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This isn’t the first time that researchers have found that the Disney princess narrative might have a negative impact on young children, particularly young girls.
“We know that girls who strongly adhere to female gender stereotypes feel like they can’t do some things”, study author Sarah M. Coyne, a professor of family life at BYU, said in a statement. And that’s pretty damn scary.
In the study, the key to enjoying Disney Princess culture was parental involvement.
The Disney princess culture, however, appeared to have a positive influence on boys, encouraging them to have a better body esteem. It’s also important, according to Coyne, to encourage less gendered language.
Yet, that same masculinity is ultimately what curtails boys’ access to these comparatively softer, kinder messages.
For both boys and girls, more interaction with Disney princesses predicted increased female stereotypical behavior the following year, which means these girls could avoid opportunities or life experiences as they get older because they don’t view them as feminine or appropriate.
In conclusion, teaching young children to subscribe to gender stereotypes helps no one, y’all.
Unfortunately, this Disney princess culture that has existed for many generations is believed to have harmful effects in children, especially in young girls.
What they expected was that the kids who played with the princess toys would behave in a female gender-stereotypical way over time.
“I wish I could go back in time and ask parents, ‘How exactly do you talk to your children about the princess media?’ ” Coyne said. Disney also made an effort in redesigning its Disney Princess collection by introducing braver, “more empowered” and “less boy-crazy” princesses such as Merida of “Brave” and Elsa of “Frozen”.
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Girls who take in what has become known as “princess culture” – typified by Disney movies and their portrayal of women in stereotypical gender roles – can internalize those ideals, often to their own detriment, researchers found in a new study. The study involved exposing the preschoolers to a variety of mediums (watching princess movies, playing with toys) and then had them complete a few tasks, like sorting toys between “girl” toys, “boy” toys, and “gender neutral” (puzzles, crafts, etc.). The goal is to see children grow into their potential and not limit them with stereotypes, they each said. “I usually can’t say that my research findings have such a personal impact on my life”. And one Princess in particular… why, she’s simply fearless. They are excellent friends to people and animals alike. Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Ariel, Snow White have all been part of a young girl’s childhood and no birthdays and Christmases will ever be complete without a Disney princess present.
