Victims or aggressors? The depiction of violence against and by women in Disney contemporary films

This study investigates the portrayal of direct and indirect violence in five contemporary Disney films featuring female protagonists: The Princess and the Frog (2009), Tangled (2010), Brave (2012), Frozen (2013) and Moana (2016). By adopting a gender-sensitive lens, the research aims to identify trends regarding who commits and experiences violence, highlighting women’s roles as both victims and aggressors. Utilizing content analysis, the study categorizes violent acts – including physical aggression and psychological abuse – based on character gender. Findings reveal that while male characters are often depicted as both perpetrators and victims of direct violence, women frequently engage in both forms of violence. However, if we consider data proportionally, female characters commit more violent acts per character than men. The analysis uncovers two significant trends: violence generating further violence and instances of intra-family violence, particularly affecting mother–daughter relationships. These dynamics illustrate how traditional gender stereotypes are challenged through violent behaviours and offer insights into the complexities of female empowerment within the narratives. Ultimately, the article underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of violence in children’s media, emphasizing the implications of these portrayals for societal perceptions of gender and aggression.