Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Strain, Christopher B.

Abstract

This paper traces the evolution of the Disney Princess and critically evaluates the role of the Disney Princess icon in American history using a feminist perspective. The term Disney Princess refers to Disney’s ten animated female heroines who were either born royal or marry princes before the end of the film; collectively these princesses became iconic through the creation of the enormous Disney Princess marketing franchise in 2001. Since Snow White in 1937 and culminating with the 2012 film Brave, the Disney Princesses have undergone subtle developments in appearance, attitude, relationships, and cultural heritage that have expanded the function of the Disney Princess as a contemporary role model. By organizing Disney Princess films into three classifications based on time period of film production, this paper evaluates the historical successes and shortcomings of the Disney Princess.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Extent

61 p.

Identifier

FA00003514

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