The ongoing debate over “princess culture” has spanned decades, but recent findings bring encouraging news. Disney’s princesses have faced criticism for allegedly promoting harmful gender stereotypes. While earlier studies seemed to validate these concerns, fresh research from a developmental psychologist at Brigham Young University (BYU) suggests that Disney princesses may actually have beneficial effects, such as fostering positive body image and challenging toxic masculinity.
Dr. Emma Wells, the developmental psychologist behind the study, has followed a group of children from preschool into early adolescence. She gathered data on their attitudes towards princess stories and their perceptions of gender roles. Her initial research in 2016 indicated that younger children, particularly girls, often embraced gender stereotypes without fully recognizing the positive qualities of princesses—like bravery and kindness.
Interestingly, despite the unrealistic, doll-like appearances of some Disney princesses, children’s body confidence appeared unaffected. “We discovered that those who engaged with princess culture, especially from lower-income backgrounds, often had better body image compared to those who did not show interest in princesses during preschool,” Dr. Wells shared with a local news outlet.
As Dr. Wells continued her research over the years, she surveyed the 300 children into their teenage years and noted some optimistic trends. The study published recently in the journal Child Development revealed that children who were more engaged with princess culture as toddlers—whether through favorite characters or dressing up—developed more progressive views on gender roles as they grew older.
“Princess narratives provide crucial storylines where women take center stage, pursue their dreams, and support others, challenging traditional gender roles,” Dr. Wells explained, highlighting modern princesses like Moana and Elsa, who embody a new generation of characters.
Furthermore, the research indicated that boys also benefit from princess culture, as it helps them move away from toxic masculinity. “Boys exposed to princess culture during their early years are often better at expressing emotions in their relationships,” Dr. Wells noted. “Instead of suppressing their feelings or resorting to aggression, they learn to communicate their emotions in healthier, non-violent ways.”
However, Dr. Wells cautions that simply watching Disney princess movies isn’t enough to instill values of gender equality in children. She stresses the importance of parents discussing the characters with their kids and highlighting their admirable traits. “Princesses like Moana are rich in character and passion. The focus should be on following dreams and self-discovery, not just looks. Parents can use these stories to teach children valuable interpersonal skills,” she stated.
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In summary, recent research suggests that Disney princess culture might not be as detrimental as once thought. Children immersed in this culture can develop healthier views on gender roles and body image, while also promoting emotional expression among boys. However, active parental engagement is crucial for maximizing these benefits.