Strong Hero or Violent Playboy? Portrayals of Masculinity in Children ’s Animated Movies

AbstractGiven the significant influence of media on the development of children ’s beliefs and attitudes regarding gender, it is important to investigate the portrayal of masculinity in children’s media. This content analysis sought to examine themes of masculinity expressed by male characters in the 30 top-grossing animated movies for children. Results indicated that mascu linity themes were prevalent in children’s animated movies regardless of whether the movies featured humanoid or non-humanoid characters. The most common themes reported across the movies includedviolence,inspires fear, andrisk taking. Although more positive traits associated with masculinity, such asleadership andassertiveness, were also present in the movies, we argue thatviolence andinspiration of fear are characteristics associated with toxic masculinity and may have negative implications for young viewers. We recommend that parents and interested stakeholders monitor the quality of children ’s media exposure for deleterious messages regarding masculinity and look for ways to enhance media literacy.
Source: Sex Roles - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research