Depictions of Gender Roles in Disney Animated FilmsIntroductionDisney is one of the largest companies in the world, known for its entertainment and dominant role in children's media for over 60 years (Towbin, Haddock, Zimmerman, Lund, & Tanner, 2003). The purpose of this study is to analyze Disney animated films based on gender roles and representations of gender roles. Research shows that Disney animated films very accurately portray traditionally feminine and masculine characteristics (England, Descartes, & Meek, 2011). The purpose of this article is to discuss the stereotypical portrayal of gender roles between men and women in Disney animated films. Researchers have suggested that in Disney animated films, women are depicted as domestic, caring, marriage-minded, helpless, and in need of protection (Towbin, Haddock, Zimmerman, Lund, & Tanner, 2003). However, men are described as having non-domestic work, using physical anger as a way to express their emotions, being naturally physically strong, and very heroic (Towbin, Haddock, Zimmerman, Lund, & Tanner, 2003). My first hypothesis is whether in Disney animated films, men play traditional roles and women play traditional roles. My third second question is whether the stereotypical portrayal of gender roles in Disney animated films will become less traditionally characterized as society moves toward abandoning traditional gender roles. Literature Review Women in Disney Films Consistent traditional themes seem to surface regarding women in various Disney animated films. An ongoing study by Towbin et al. (2003) regarding a thematic analysis of gender roles in Disney animated films found similar themes. She found that four themes emerged...... middle of paper ......Descartes, L. and Collier-Meek, M. (2011). Representation of gender roles and Disney princesses. Sex Roles, 64(7/8), 555-567. doi:10.1007/s11199-011-9930-7Smith, S. (2010). Assessing Gender Representations in Top-Grossing G-Rated Films. SexRoles, 62(11/12), 774. doi:10.1007/s11199-009-9736-zDavid, D. (2006). Good Girls and Bad Witches: Women in Disney's Animated Feature Films Eastleigh, UKDundes, L. (2001). Pocahontas, Disney's modern heroine: revealing age-old gender stereotypes and role discontinuity under a facade of liberation. Towbin, MA, Haddock, SA, Zimmerman, TS, Lund, LK and Tanner, LR (2003) Images of gender, race, age, and sexual orientation in Disney animated feature films. Wiserma, B.A., (2001). The Gendered World of Disney: A Content Analysis of Gendered Themes in Disney Animated Feature Films.