Gendered behavior can become problematic if girls avoid important learning experiences that aren’t perceived as feminine or believe their opportunities in life are different as women. And while more than 61 percent of girls played with princess toys at least once a week, only four percent of boys did the same.įor both boys and girls, more interactions with the princesses predicted more female gender-stereotypical behavior a year later. The researchers found that 96 percent of girls and 87 percent of boys had viewed Disney Princess media. The assessments of princess engagement and gender-stereotypical behavior were based on reports from parents and teachers and an interactive task where the children would sort and rank their favorite toys from a varied collection of "girl" toys (dolls, tea sets), "boy" toys (action figures, tool sets) and gender-neutral options (puzzles, paint). The study, published in Child Development, involved 198 preschoolers and assessed how much they interacted with Disney Princess culture (watching movies, playing with toys, etc.).
“But if we’re fully jumping in here and really embracing it, parents should really consider the long-term impact of the princess culture.” That’s the word I hear time and time again-it’s ‘safe,’” Coyne said. “I think parents think that the Disney Princess culture is safe.
These stereotypical behaviors aren’t bad in and of themselves, but past research has shown that they can be limiting in the long term for young women. Coyne shows that engagement with Disney Princess culture isn’t so harmless-it can influence preschoolers to be more susceptible to potentially damaging stereotypes. Heralded by adults and kids alike, Disney Princess animated movies are the quintessential “kids’ movies,” positive and enjoyable for all.īut new research from BYU family life professor Sarah M. But one symbol might be more powerful than any rating or review-the Disney logo. Parents tend to be careful about what media their children consume and often look to ratings to guide their movie choices.
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