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Media and Traditional Gender Roles

The media has significantly influenced and shaped the societal norms and roles (Collins, 2011). Unexceptionally, Disney movies have also played an important role in conforming to as well as challenging the traditional gender norms, roles, and expectations. As a result, the traditional practices and beliefs have been shaped for the better. Over the years, The Disney characters have been used to convey important messages in simple ways (Collins, 2011). In the movies men and women are displayed in stereotypical body forms, and the characters play different roles which illustrate that they either conform or challenge the traditional practices and beliefs (Collins, 2011).

Moan is a good example of a Disney movie which challenges the societal gender roles, norms, and expectations. Moana plays a role which is dominant in the movie and her actions change the course of events by saving the Islands and saving Maui; an act which could only be attributed to a man since women ae considered as weaker than men. When Moana meets Maui, he also believes that she cannot sail with him on their journey across the dangerous seas because women are not allowed in such kinds of adventures. This is an instance where traditional gender roles are challenged because of Moana’s determination and courage. Traditionally, technical roles are limited to be performed by men, while women are expected to perform lighter tasks.

From the movie, it is clear that Moana is being directly connected to the ocean. But when we watch the film from Maui’s perspective, he also notices Moana as a woman and hence should not be sailing with him but he decides to follow her on their journey. This shows that it is not just men who are considered as stronger than women; women too can achieve anything they want.

In instances where women are expected to act submissively, Moana challenges this. According to her elders a woman should not be sailing with a man much less make decisions which they think could lead to danger. However, she is brave enough to sail on a large ship without any fears or worries about losing control of it. Traditionally, women are expected to conform to the set rules, and they should not challenge them; however, Moana challenges this when she goes to the oceans to save her family and also, when she becomes the lead in all decisions.

In the movie “Bend it like Beckham”, Jesminda the main protagonist; a 17-year-old Indian girl who wants nothing more than to play soccer professionally. This is a drastic departure from the traditional gender roles and norms of her culture, which expect women to be “docile, virtuous homemakers”. To overcome the confines of these expectations and stereotypes, we see Beckham’s character rebel in subtle ways. First, she is a soccer player, athlete, and not a wife or mother. Traditionally, the society celebrates women as mother and housewife at the expense of all else; thus, the character turns to be the opposite of what she is expected to be according to the society. Secondly, Jesminda wears unsuitable clothes that are uncharacteristic of the dress associated with her culture. She also plays soccer against boys and joins in games even when it is not appropriate for girls to play. By breaking out of these confinements and living her own life we see many other characters have an awakening as well. In other words, Jesminda is a symbol for the shift of power; from men to women. She does not want to be like her father, who sees his daughter as simply a woman who is expected to cater to him and his family. Her rebellion is not only against her father but against the traditional gender roles and expectations of the society. The society tries to discourage her efforts while she struggles on wearing pants and playing soccer. The mode of dressing is often influenced by the traditional norms, where women are restricted from wearing other clothes; thus, by choosing to wear pants, the movie character challenges the societal gender norm.

References

Collins, R. L. (2011). Content analysis of gender roles in media: Where are we now and where should we go?. Sex roles, 64(3), 290-298. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-010-9929-5