WEEK 8 – Critical thinking for Research Topic

After several searches and based on the articles I was able to find, I chose to deepen my interest in gender inequalities, which can also interact with the representation of sexuality. Indeed, I find that however widely these issues are analysed, they are at the centre of several debates.

After realising which field I wanted to analyse, I chose a few keywords that could help me search for the most suitable and relevant articles.

• Gender inequality 
• Performative gender representation
• LGBTQ+ community 
• LGBTQ+ representation
• Gender-sexuality relation
• Animated film
• Disney animated film

I wondered how the lgbt community was portrayed in Disney films and whether the way it was portrayed could be related to the behaviour of the characters. in particular, whether the way gender roles were presented to viewers could affect the actions performed by the characters and affect the perception of their sexuality.

For example, the way Disney princesses have always been portrayed as weak and in need of help from the prince may have influenced the perception of the woman’s role. Similarly, how the male protagonist in an animated film cannot cry or be depicted as weak, as it might otherwise risk appearing unmasculine or associated with the LGBT community.

Key Sources:

• “Tangled” (2010) Walt Disney Animation Studios
• “Frozen” (2013) Walt Disney Animation Studios
• “The Little Mermaid” (2023) Walt Disney Animation Studios, DeLuca Marshall and Marc Platt Productions
• “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) Walt Disney Animation Studios and Mandeville Films