Are Disney Princesses good role models to young girls?

According to (Vitale & Cormier, 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”. 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.

A good role model is someone who will motivate us to achieve our goals and aspire
us to be the best version of ourselves. A good role model is also someone who has
qualities such as: “Moral, Confident, Hardworking, respectful, Optimistic and
Creative” (Seeling, 2018). Additionally, “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”. 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” (AccessPsych, 2022).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. A focus group indicated that Disney princesses are good role models
because they are someone that you can look up to. 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.
(Dunn,2020) 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.
Disney Princesses have positive characteristics such as: being strong, kind and
optimistic. Within a focus group, it was said that Disney princesses have these
positive characteristics so that they inspire young girls to achieve their goals and
aspirations. (Unsworth, G 2024 d) Disney princesses have the same characteristics
as those of the England team such as: “brave, compassion, determination and
Fearlessness” (Wilson 2017).This shows that young girls can achieve anything that
is possible. 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. (Becky, 2019) 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. Disney princesses
are good role models to young girls as they share the same characteristics as the
England football team (Wilson, 2017). 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 also said
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.

According to research, some people believe that Disney Princesses of the past, such
as Cinderella and Snow White, do indeed possess positive qualities that make them
good role models for young girls. Cinderella would be seen as a strong and positive
role model for women due to her positive demeanour and work ethic. (Lueke, 2014)
However, they also goes on to say that Snow White may come across as a passive,
quiet woman who allows men to run her life, she also possesses many qualities that
make her a strong individual who is capable of self-determination. According to
analysis (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 a questionnaire (Unsworth, G, 2024 c) in which a response indicated 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. An
analysis of, (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 a
questionnaire (Unsworth, G 2024 c) in which a response indicated that loyalty and
bravery featured high in the 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. An analysis discovered (Unsworth, G 2024 a) 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. Additionally, (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. An audience member indicated in a
focus group, ( Unsworth, G 2024 d) discovered 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. An audience
member indicated in a focus group, (Unsworth, G 2024 d) 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.

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. In Addition, (Guthire,2024) also says that “Anna and Elsa
have real, modern - day problems just like everyone else: such as anxiety, fear,
loneliness and family/ relationship issues. Their problems are far more relatable than
eating a poisoned apple, sleeping for a hundred years or being locked in a tower
waiting to be rescued by a man”.This suggests that Elsa is a more relatable and
realistic character to the audience and that she doesn’t seem to be reliant on a man.
Furthermore, “Moana is smart, strong, independent and kind. She does everything
she can to save her family, people and island, and she does so with confidence even
though she has to face her fears” (Abell, 2020).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 analysis indicated (Unsworth, G
2024 b) shows 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, As evidenced when Elsa speaks more with her sister and
townspeople since her parents have died and she has to be more independent. As
found by an analysis done by (Unsworth, G 2024 b). 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. (Unsworth,
G 2024 b) own analysis found that Elsa displays independence as she fights for her
rights as well as that she looks after her sister which is a massive responsibility. An
analysis done by (Unsworth, G 2024 b) additionally indicated that Elsa is also
displayed as compassionate and has 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. 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 (Unsworth, G 2024 b). Elsa is also represented as more of
a feminine character. From (Unsworth, G 2024 b) analysis 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.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.
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. Her father
goes missing so she immediately goes out to find him. And when she discovers that
he’s imprisoned, her instinct is to sacrifice herself for those that she loves.
(Becky,2019). 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. “They are all qualities that young girls can learn
from Disney Princesses” (Wilson, C 2024). Elsa also became brave because she
was hiding her powers and she had grown in confidence as she became queen. It
can teach young girls bravery as they become more confident and independent with
their peers.They are both human, beautiful inside and out, and with a gorgeous
singing voice. (Unsworth, G 2024 b) And while they have no animal sidekick, Olaf
fills the role of their faithful companion. (Vitale & Cormier, 2024). (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. Both of the
princesses in the first Frozen movie represent strong, positive, and modern traits.
The real love story is between sisters Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina
Menzel), rather than with a guy. (Bucksbaum, S 2022)

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.