Essay: Are Disney Princesses good role models to

young girls?

Introduction:
According to (MovieWeb, 2024) Disney Princesses are to be “considered a central
role of a Disney film”. “However, it is safe to say that a large amount of Disney’s
popularity stems from one particular group of characters that stands out from the
rest: princesses.Not only are they the company’s most distinctive characters, but
they are also the ones that sell the most merchandising”.
https://movieweb.com/official-disney-princess-rules/ I decided to choose this topic
because I am interested in Disney characters and I was interested to research and
come to the conclusion whether ‘Disney Princesses are good role models to young
girls’? To find out this answer to my essay I will explore the following aims: What
makes a good role model in general, what is a disney princess, Are Disney
Princesses of the past good role models and Are Disney Princesses of the present
good role models. The essay will be a culmination of primary research, such as
analysis into two different disney princesses from two eras, a focus group which was
held with college students and a questionnaire that seeks to gather information about
positive and negative traits of disney princesses. Secondary research will also be
used from looking at different internet sources such as articles and websites and
quoting some of their points to help draw to a conclusion.

Aim 1: What makes a good role model?

A good role model is someone who will motivate us to achieve our goals and aspire
us to be the best version of ourselves. According to (Seeling, 2018)A good role
model is also someone who has qualities such as: “Moral, Confident, Hardworking,
respectful, Optimistic and Creative”. Additionally, (Seeling, 2018) also goes on to say
that “effective role models possess desirable characteristics that make them easy to
look up to and inspire others to make changes and strive towards new goals”.
According to (AccessPsych, 2022) role models need certain qualities in order to be
successful such as: “Inspire, motivate, have good behaviour and habits as well as
being able to set and achieve their goals”.Therefore, If someone showed all these
qualities of being a good role model, this would be someone children would look up
to. Some people think Disney Princesses are good role models to young girls
because they are presented as brave, determined and independent. When
completing my primary research, I completed a focus group. As part of this, they
agreed that Disney princesses are good role models because they are someone that
you can look up to. According to Dunn(2020), the following qualities: Virtuous,
Royalists, Dreamers and ‘Grrrls’ allow girls to believe that Disney princesses are
good role models as it will allow them to grow into a better version of themselves.
This is backed up by evidence from when I did analysis of Belle and Elsa as they
both are presented as being good role models by their strengths, appearance and
characteristics.

Aim 2: What is a Disney Princess?

Disney Princesses have positive characteristics such as: being strong, kind and
optimistic. This shows that Disney princesses have these positive characteristics so
that they inspire young girls to achieve their goals and aspirations. Disney
princesses have the same characteristics as those of the England team such as:
“brave, compassion, determination and Fearlessness”. This shows that young girls
can achieve anything that is possible. According to (Becky, 2019) there are a lot of
great personality traits that Disney princesses have to offer, but beyond that they are
all young girls or young women that are trying to find their way in the world. This is
backed up by evidence from my questionnaire because my responses show that
they think Disney princesses have positive characteristics because they dress
appropriately and their roles present them as independent, confident, strong-willed,
caring and loving. According to (Wilson, 2017) Disney princesses are good role
models to young girls as they share the same characteristics as the England football
team. This is stated in the article by England captain Steph Houghton who says that
“being brave, being strong and being kind are all important attributes when it comes
to building a successful team”.By having good traits of Disney Princesses and being
part of the women's football team will allow young girls to believe that anything is
possible. Having these strong attributes will allow young girls to believe that they can
play football. However, (Wilson, 2017) says that although Disney princesses have
positive characteristics they can also have negative characteristics such as “Having
a slim figure, completing the housework and the need to be rescued by a man”. This
shows that Disney princesses may not always be judged ‘Perfect’ in the eyes of the
media.

Aim 3: Old princess representation (Are they examples of good role models?)
According to research, some people believe that Disney Princesses of the past, such
as Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty, do indeed possess positive qualities that
make them good role models for young girls. According to (Unsworth, G, 2024 a)
Found out a couple of Belle’s (Beauty and The Beast, 1991) strongest characteristics
is that she has a smart and free-thinking attitude which makes Belle stand out from
her fellow’s townspeople. This is linked with question 5 (Unsworth, G, 2024 c) in my
questionnaire because this question shows that Disney Princesses are seen as good
role models to young girls because they are kind, have good principles, positive,
brave, independent, confident and caring. Additionally, (Unsworth, G 2024 a)
discusses that Belle is considered brave and kind which is shown by Belle when she
goes to try and save her father. This shows her independence as a woman that she
doesn’t need to rely on a man to come and rescue her. This is considered a positive
trait with some people who suggest (Unsworth, G 2024 c) that people suggest that
disney princesses are considered brave and care for others in their eyes. Belle is
loyal as she spends time with her father and also helps the beast when the villages
are attacking him. According to (Unsworth, G 2024 c) question 7 from my
questionnaire loyalty and bravery featured high in my responses.This suggests that
these qualities in Disney Princesses are important to the viewers. Because they also
encourage young girls to step outside of their comfort zone as well as being
inclusive, tolerant and respectful of others. When completing my primary research,
asked the question ‘What characteristics do you expect Disney princesses to have?
I think all of these traits are vital to be a Disney princess because they encourage
young children to step outside their comfort zone as well as being inclusive, tolerant
and respectful of other people. According to (Unsworth, G 2024 a) Found out a
couple of Belle’s strengths is that she is courageous because she has a strong
sense of self worth and isn’t frightened to face problems. This is backed up by my
own analysis as Belle spends most of her time caring for her father as well as
staying to save the beast. She puts herself second to protect other people.
According to (Unsworth, G 2024 a) the looks and appearance of Belle is that she
has a natural appearance and she wears no makeup and dresses in casual
clothes.This is backed up by my own analysis as at the start of the film, Belle is seen
as working class woman whose life soon turns around when she meets the love of
her life. From a focus group conducted by ( Unsworth, G 2024 d), people agreed
that Disney princesses do dress appropriately as they wear colourful dresses. The
looks and appearance of Belle is that she is very skinny, has a small waist and a
petite figure. This is backed up in my own analysis as at the start of the film, Belle is
perceived as a working class woman in a small village. She then changes her image
once she meets and falls in love with the beast whilst trying to rescue her father.
(Unsworth, G 2024 a). However, towards the end of the film Belle is shown as a
Disney princess as she dresses in a smart, big and flowy yellow dress which is
appropriate as she is going to attend the ball. This is backed up by analysis from
when I watched the film. Within the focus group, (Unsworth, G 2024 d) found out
that people had a positive perception of other old disney princesses, suggesting that
Cinderella is considered as strong willed, kind, optimistic and caring. Snow White is
also considered as determined, brave and also comes across as gullible.

Aim 4: New Princess Representation (Are they examples of good role models?)
According to research, some people believe that Disney Princesses of the present,
such as Elsa, Jasmine and Moana, do indeed possess positive qualities that make
them good role models for young girls.According to (Unsworth, G 2024 b) Elsa’s
(Frozen, 2013) strongest characteristics is that she displays courage, independence
and loyalty to her sister. This is backed up by (Unsworth, G 2024 b) own analysis as
Elsa displays courage because she deals with problems and faces her fears by the
end of the film. Elsa displays traits of being dutiful throughout the film because she
has thoughts that she will become the future queen as she was raised to put others
first, especially after her powers were proved to be potentially harmful. (Unsworth, G
2024 b) This is backed up by (Unsworth, G 2024 b) own analysis as Elsa tries to
protect her sister called Anna but also believes more in herself through her powers
and becomes the queen and is in control of everybody. Elsa’s attitude also appears
as friendly as she starts to speak with her townspeople and her sister. This is backed
up by (Unsworth, G 2024 b) own analysis as Elsa speaks more with her sister and
townspeople since her parents have died and she has to be more independent.
Elsa’s strongest characteristic would be her independence because she takes
responsibility for her parents death by her powers as well as preparing to become
the queen of the country.This is backed up by (Unsworth, G 2024 b) own analysis
as she displays independence as she fights for her rights as well as this she looks
after her sister which is a massive responsibility. Elsa is also displayed as
compassionate and having loyalty towards her sister Anna in how she cares about
all the people and their welfare because she doesn’t want any of them to get hurt.
This is backed up by (Unsworth, G 2024 b) own analysis when I watched the film.
One of Elsa’s strongest strengths is that she comes across as having courage and
bravery because when she faced a mistake with her grandfather, she stayed to fix it.
This shows her resilience as Elsa is facing her fears as well as taking responsibility.
(Unsworth, G 2024 b) At the start of the film, Elsa wears a black and green dress
that covers her neck, a pair of gloves and pink cloak.This shows Elsa as being less
confident in herself because the dress covers her up so it hides her confidence. This
is backed up by (Unsworth, G 2024 b) analysis from when I watched the
film.However, by the end of the film, Elsa transforms into a low neck sparkly blue
dress, with her in a loose plait and high heels this is due to the change in her
powers.This shows more of her body as she is more confident as she starts to
believe more in herself and her powers as she builds the ice palace and becomes
the queen of her country. Elsa is also represented as more of a feminine character.
This is backed up by (Unsworth, G 2024 b) own analysis from when I watched the
film. At the start of the film, Elsa is seen as withdrawn and shy as Elsa shut Anna out
when they were growing up but they was going through grief after losing their mum
and dad.However, by the end of the film this changes as Elsa develops a closer
relationship with her sister Anna.This is backed up by (Unsworth, G 2024 b) own
analysis from when I watched the film.Elsa is also displayed as determined because
she has the ability to overcome challenges when having no parents and having to
support her younger sister called Anna.This is backed up by (Unsworth, G 2024 b)
own analysis from when I watched the film.

Aim 5: What can young girls learn from Disney Princesses?

Young girls could learn how to become more independent and determined. Belle’s
attitude comes across as independent and determined because she can do most
things herself like looking after her father and also she doesn’t rely on a man.
(Unsworth’s, G 2024 a) own analysis from identifying the characteristics of Belle.
Belle’s attitude comes across as brave and loyal in how she goes back to save the
beast.(Unsworth’s, G 2024 a) own analysis as Belle is compassionate to others, for
example when she goes back to save the beast and her dad by herself. Young girls
can look up to Belle because she starts off the film as working class, this suggests
that she is hardworking and determined.(Unsworth, G 2024 c) found out that Disney
Princesses can be good role models due to their positive characteristics of bravery,
kindness,loyalty and resilience however the beauty standards that they passively
place on young girls can lead to eating disorders or body dysmorphia. (Unsworth, G
2024 c) found out that they also teach young girls that in a bad situation there can be
something positive out of it and also encourages them to be inclusive of others and
to help others. Moreover,(Unsworth, G 2024 c) found out that they also teach young
girls to choose their own path in their life and have their own goals. As well as,
(Unsworth, G 2024 c) found out that they also teach young girls to be kind to
themselves and others, have a good self esteem, confidence and pride in their
appearance. However, (Unsworth, G 2024 d) found out that some people think
Disney Princesses can also have a negative impact on your mental health as it
shows that you should be a certain body type and you’re perceived to be something
that you shouldn’t and having perfect hair and outfits every day isn’t real life.
Furthermore, (Unsworth, G 2024 c) found out that you have to look a certain way,
when there are many ways to look as long as you are happy that’s the key. On the
other hand, (Unsworth, G 2024 c) found out that Disney princesses teach young
girls to be kind and good.(Unsworth, G 2024 c) identified that Disney princesses
teach young girls to have strength, be themselves and that to be different is good.
(Unsworth, G 2024 c) identified that Disney princesses teach young girls that to love
them all is good, but you may only know this as an adult, but for my daughter the
new ones are good role models. (Unsworth, G 2024 b) identified that Elsa is seen
as a modern day princess, which helps her appear as more of an individual.
(Unsworth, G 2024 b) identified that Elsa transforms into a different dress which is
blue and sparkly.This teaches young girls can be more confident and also be
presented as a feminine character. (Unsworth, G 2024 b) identified that Elsa
displays characteristics such as: courage, independence and loyalty that she shows
towards her sister that is called Anna.This is shown with young girls and older girls
because it can teach them loyalty with friends and independence while growing up.
(Unsworth, G 2024 b) Identified that Elsa also became brave because she was
hiding her powers and she has grown in confidence as she became queen. It can
teach young girls bravery as they become more confident and independent with their
peers. (Unsworth, G 2024 b) identified that Elsa’s strongest characteristic would be
her independence because she takes responsibility for her parents death by her
powers as well as preparing to become the queen of her country.(Unsworth, G 2024
b) identified that Elsa is also displayed as compassionate and having loyalty towards
her sister Anna in how she cares about all the people and their welfare because she
doesn’t want to hurt any of them.This is shown with young girls and older young girls
because it can teach them to be kind and to care about people around them.
(Unsworth, G 2024 b) identified that Elsa is also displayed as determined because
she has the ability to overcome challenges when having no parents and having to
support her younger sister.This is shown with young girls as it is teaching them to be
resilient.

Conclusion: Your answer to your question (opinion)

Overall, I think that Disney Princesses are good role models to young girls because
they show certain characteristics which young girls should follow, such as: Being
strong, kind and optimistic. I think it is important for young girls to be like this
because they will be strong for themselves, be kind towards their peers and have a
positive attitude for their future. I also think that Disney Princesses are good role
models to young girls because Belle was independent as she was working class and
by the end she then fell in love with the beast. However, Elsa was also independent
but throughout the film she believes more in herself and by the end she becomes a
powerful character because of the way she builds the ice castle. Additionally, I
believe that Disney Princesses are good role models to young girls as Elsa shows
courage after her parents pass away, she realises she needs to be more
independent and care for her sister Anna. I believe that Disney Princesses are good
role models to young girls because they have the same positive and important
attributes as the England football team such as: Being brave, being kind and being
strong.This makes them good role models because these qualities are important for
them to become successful in the future. However, Football isn’t usually a well
played sport for young girls but with England ladies football team saying that the
characteristics of a football player match those of a Disney Princess which is
allowing young girls to realise that they can do anything they want to achieve
including playing football. As well as this, I think that Disney Princesses are good
role models to young girls because they teach them that when they are in a bad
situation, something positive can always come out of it. This allows young girls to
believe that anything is possible and they can achieve whatever they set out to do.