On August 4, 2023, I presented my research paper titled 'From Tradition to Animation: A Critical Examination of Gender in Indian Folklore and Disney Films' at the National Seminar 'Confluence of Tales, Myths, and Culture in Literature, organized in a blended mode by PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. The paper delved into the deep-seated gender bias within Indian society, tracing its origins from ancient mythologies, and critically analyzing the representation of gender in Disney films. The study revealed how both contexts reinforce traditional stereotypes, contributing to the shaping of societal norms.

1. From Tradition to Animation:
A Critical Examination of
Gender in Indian Folklore and
Disney Films
Prepared by: Jheel Barad
Date: 04/08/2023
National Seminar on ‘Confluence of Tales, Myths and Culture in Literature’
PSG College of Arts & Science, Department of English, Coimbture

2. Abstract
Gender bias is a pervasive issue deeply ingrained in societal structures, with women often
being misunderstood and misrepresented. In patriarchal societies like India, this bias is
reflected in religious texts, mythologies, and traditional beliefs, where women are relegated
to subordinate roles and restricted in their aspirations and contributions.
Children's understanding of relationships and gender can be influenced by TV
representations, which might not readily accept new information that challenges existing
beliefs. Disney, a major animation company, has made efforts to avoid direct objectification
or dependency of female characters on males.
This paper delves into the portrayal of gender behaviors and appearances in both Indian
folklore and Disney films, critically analyzing the perpetuation of traditional stereotypes.

3. Objectives
How has gender bias been historically manifested in Indian society, and how does it
relate to representations in religious texts and mythologies?
How do Disney films portray limitations on female characters' pursuits of dreams
and aspirations, and to what extent do they emphasize marriage and domesticity
over other aspects of their lives?
What are the commonalities and differences in the portrayal of gender behaviors
and appearances in Indian folklore and Disney films, and how do they contribute to
the perpetuation of traditional stereotypes?
What are the parallel effects of gender bias in Indian folklore and Disney films on
shaping societal norms and expectations regarding women's roles and aspirations?

4. Introduction
Gender bias is the stereotypical attitude or prejudice
that people have about a particular gender. The
concept of gender stereotype also refers to the
"feminization" and "masculine" social construction,
which is based on the power and social cultural
standards of women and men
behavior that shows favoritism toward one gender
over another.
Most often, gender bias is the act of favoring men
and/or boys over women and/or girls.

5. Women in Myths
Wendy Doniger points out, “The female sex has never
found favour with any of the world’s religions, or with their
priests and prophets” (Doniger)
Romanticized women depiction in Rigveda.
In the Ramayana, sharp contrast to the depiction of
women in the Vedic corpus of literature.
1. Adhere to the Dharma
2. Women in the story are the ambitious one
In Mahabharat, the female characters have a distinct and
unabashed personality that does not always result in their
downfall.

6. In the Puranas the goddesses have two basic qualities;
they are either Shakti (the creative or active) or Prakriti
(the material condition). The protective and creative
goddesses qualities are controlled by male gods.
Goddesses like Kali and Shitala are considered
dangerous and they are not controlled by male Gods.
When Kali realised that it was Shiva she interrupted her
action. Purusa defeated Prakriti which means the
normal order was establish and everyone could live in
harmony.
Manusmriti is the worst book to follow because it only
teaches to dominate a woman and tying her in four walls
of a house.
Ahalya

7. Disney Princesses
Since 1937 Disney released its first princess film Snow White,
Disney has always created beautiful princesses who are
attached to men.
In Disney's princess films, such as Beauty and the Beast, they
construct characters that combine gender stereotype.
Passive, ideal, and cater to male characters.
White-skinned, slim, and be decently dressed.
Bell, Haas, and Sells note, "If Disney corpus can be seen as
pedaling a pedagogy of innocence, perhaps one of the most
telling lessons it sells us is that of gender---of bodies, sexuality.
and desire" (Bell et al.).
O'Brien claim the female characters in Cinderella and The Little
Mermaid represent a continuation of the practice of creating
characters that enact female oppression and embrace
patriarchal values (O'Brien)

8. Themes: marriage/love is the goal
beauty equals femaleness
the restriction of females at puberty.
females are saved or succeed only through the help of men
E.g.: Snow White Cinderella- wishing for the one she loves to find her
The definition of a new gender stereotype is that Disney avoids directly
objectifying or making female characters dependent on male characters, but
Disney still discriminates against men in terms of their attitudes toward women.
Moana and Frozen these female characters cannot freely use their
independence to pursuing what they want or escaping what they suffered. They
always have to rely on male characters to help them reach the goal.
Researchers found that in the 16 most popular Disney animated feature films
from 1937 to 1995, Disney women were more likely to do housework than male
characters, and men were more likely to have more authority than women.
Maccoby, Wilson and Burton found that children pay closer attention to, and
show better retention of, the actions of same-sex characters (McGhee and Frueh ).

9. Conclusion:
Gender inequality has a longstanding history
Disney heroines may gain a stronger sense of self, they still project
an unattainable 'perfect girl' image, reinforcing traditional
stereotypes.
portrayal of gender behaviors and appearances, showcasing the
parallel impact of gender bias on shaping societal norms and
expectations.
gender bias in cultural narratives and media representations.
By projecting the good and bad of behavior forms through myths
and mythologies related with women became the vehicles for the
degradation of Indian women to a great extent.
Need of change in storytelling perspective.

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Thank you