The Evolution of Female Archetypes in Popular...

The Evolution of Female Archetypes in Popular Media: A Comparative Study of Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Moana

Author Name : Srushti Kamble

ABSTRACT The representation of female characters in popular media has undergone significant evolution, shaping the way young viewers perceive gender roles and identity. This research article presents a comparative study of Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Moana (2016), exploring the evolution of female archetypes in popular media through the lens of Carl Jung's theory of archetypes. The study analyzes the impact of media portrayals of female characters on young children's understanding of gender roles and identity, and the role of popular media in reinforcing or challenging societal norms and beliefs. Specifically, the study examines how the archetypes of the "damsel in distress" and the "warrior princess" are represented in each film, and how these archetypes have evolved over time. Through a close analysis of the characteristics of these archetypes in each film, the study uncovers the ways in which these representations either align with or challenge traditional gender stereotypes.