And They All Lived Happily Ever After? A Study of Children’s Movies' Impact on Traditional Gender Roles in Female College Students

Author: Haille Mark

Field of Study: Integrative Neuroscience

Program Affiliation: Binghamton Human Sexualities Lab

Faculty Mentors: Ann Merriwether, Sean Massey

Easel: 85

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: Research suggests what children watch in their childhood has implications for their socialization and understanding of gender roles. This study examines the role of female characters’ representation in children’s films on traditional gender roles and relationship expectations in adulthood. Female college students were surveyed to assess how the films viewed affected their hopes to find a partner before graduation, benevolent sexism, and traditional gender roles. Movies were coded to assess themes of sexualization, objectification, agency, and gender roles. It is hypothesized that a positive correlation will exist between traditionally gendered media and hopes to find a partner before graduation, benevolent sexism, and traditional gender roles. Additionally, it is hypothesized that differences will exist in means between high and low traditional gender role consumption. Preliminary findings support this. This research provides insight into how media consumed in childhood has long-term effects on understandings of gender roles and relationship dynamics in adulthood.