Authors: Fhrilyn Ann L. Aso1, Nancy S. Omega2 , Rovy M. Banguis3
1,2,3Department of English Language Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, Mindanao State University-Buug, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines
Email: asofhrilynann@gmail.com1, rovy.banguis@msubuug.edu.ph3
ABSTRACT
In different forms of media, women are viewed differently which have been perpetuated as to how these women are represented. Media entertainment
like Walt Disney Studios create movies and produced women characters that seem to portray its animated characters as subject of controversy. Hence,
this paper sought to answer the following queries: (1)What are the representations of the women characters? (2)How were the women characters
represented in the said movies? (3)Do their traits challenge gender roles? This study utilized ten women in Walt Disney movies and used descriptive
qualitative research design specifically with the use of discourse analysis, representation, characterization, and gender theory anchored on previous
study by Ottosson & Cheng’s feminine and masculine traits. After thorough analysis, the study revealed that the dominant representations of the ten
women are: independent in making their decisions, breaking Disney’s beauty standard, compassionate to loved ones & friendly to animals. Majority
of these women have no romantic relationship, are undomesticated and need not wait to be saved. They were clearly represented through looking into
their dialogues/discourses in the scenes. Almost all of the ten women have challenged their gender roles because of their dominant masculine traits
such as assertiveness, bravery and giving pieces of advice. Virana’s character is a groundbreaking improvement out of all the women in this study
which displayed no feminine traits. Thus, it is recommended that future researchers should also pursue comparative studies between Classical and
Modern Walt Disney to look into other issues other than gender roles.
Keywords: discourse, women traits, masculine traits, representation, gender roles.