Table of contentsIntroductionDisney's representation of female charactersSnow White and the reinforcement of traditional gender rolesConclusionIntroductionDisney animation occupies an important position within the American entertainment industry, exerting considerable influence on generations of children through its diverse range of media offerings, including films, clothing, games and toys. With a rich history spanning over eight decades, Disney has been instrumental in shaping societal perceptions of gender roles. As societal norms evolve, so does Disney's approach to character representation, particularly when it comes to female characters. Through extensive research and analysis, encompassing both academic studies and the films themselves, it becomes evident that Disney has gradually adapted its portrayal of characters in accordance with the changing cultural paradigms in America. However, Disney does not escape criticism, particularly regarding the representation of female characters, often accused of perpetuating stereotypes. Gender roles, deeply rooted in society, exert a significant influence on individuals' self-perception and on society's expectations. Given Disney's ubiquitous presence and historical significance, it serves as an indispensable prism through which to examine the evolution of gender norms and societal values ​​over time. The aim of this essay is therefore to analyze the representation of gender roles in films, particularly in Disney's animated adaptation of Snow White. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Disney's Portrayal of Female Characters Over the decades, Disney has maintained its prominent position in the entertainment industry, adapting to the ever-changing cultural landscape of each era. . A key question arises: As Disney strives to captivate audiences spanning generations, how are its values ​​and portrayal of its characters evolving to resonate with viewers? To understand the significance of Disney's evolution, it is essential to examine the influence of media and dominant gender roles. Although Disney's dominance in entertainment is undisputed, its adaptation to changing societal values ​​and norms regarding gender roles remains a subject of investigation. In Disney films, gender roles, for both male and female characters, take center stage. The most pronounced evolution in Disney's narrative landscape is observed in particular in the representation of female characters. These representations can be classified into three distinct phases. Initially, Disney princesses were portrayed as archetypal damsels in distress, embodying traits of passivity and domesticity. This representation is illustrated by characters such as Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Subsequently, a shift occurs, presenting the female characters as rebellious and ambitious figures. Characters like Ariel, Mulan and Rapunzel embody this challenge to traditional roles. In the most recent phase, female characters are depicted as independent, free-spirited individuals, as exemplified by Merida, Anna, and Elsa. These evolving depictions of women in Disney films reflect the changing cultural zeitgeist of their respective eras. Indeed, societal expectations and norms regarding female gender roleshave undergone significant transformation over time. Therefore, Disney's depiction of female characters serves as a visual representation of the dominant social norms and expectations within the surrounding culture and society. As such, analyzing Disney's portrayal of female characters offers valuable insights into the changing dynamics of gender roles and societal expectations throughout history. Snow White and the Reinforcement of Traditional Gender RolesIn 1937, Disney presented its first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Taking inspiration from the Brothers Grimm's original tale, Disney transformed the story into a more palatable form, suited to the needs of its audience, who were looking to escape the harsh realities of the time. By removing the dark elements of the original tale, Disney infused the tale with elements of romance, joyful music, and a fairy tale ending, laying the foundation for the Disney tradition of enchanting storytelling. The main character is at the heart of the Snow White story. , whose portrait embodies the traditional gender roles of the time. Snow White embodies the archetypal domestic woman, depicted as a sweet-tempered princess who eventually becomes a damsel in distress dependent on a prince for salvation. Her portrayal reinforces societal expectations of femininity and domesticity, with scenes depicting her engaged in household chores such as washing dishes, cooking and cleaning, as well as taking on a maternal role towards the seven dwarves. Such depictions served to perpetuate the dominant notion of women as homemakers, particularly in the aftermath of the Great Depression. Although Snow White's story could have presented an opportunity to explore self-discovery and empowerment, it instead reinforces traditional gender norms, presenting an idealized view. image of femininity among the female public. The film's release notably coincided with a period of societal upheaval, marked by the increased participation of women in the workforce during the Second World War. With the deployment of men for military service, women took on roles in manufacturing and other industries, breaking free from traditional gender roles. However, this change was temporary, as societal expectations returned to the post-war status quo, as men returned to the workforce and women were expected to return to their roles as homemakers. The post-war period, epitomized by the 1950s, witnessed a return to traditional gender roles, with women relegated to the domestic sphere while men took on the role of breadwinner. This period, often romanticized as a time of suburban happiness and family harmony, saw a proliferation of media representations depicting the idealized housewife engaged in domestic tasks. Such depictions have served to reinforce societal expectations regarding gender roles, emphasizing women's roles as caregivers and homemakers, while simultaneously downplaying their aspirations beyond the domestic sphere. Conclusion In examining Disney's portrayal of gender roles, particularly through its portrayal of female characters, a nuanced narrative emerges that reflects changing societal attitudes and expectations regarding gender identity. Over decades of cinematic storytelling, Disney has adapted its depictions of characters in response to shifting cultural paradigms, illustrating the dynamic interplay between media representation and societal norms. Archetypal damsels in distress of the era, 18(6), 1077-1093./