Movie Moana: Gender stereotypes

 This study examines gender stereotypes in Disney's Moana, focusing on the main character's traits and actions. The qualitative research method, observing Moana on Disney Hotstar, revealed eight traits: optimism, curiosity, daredevilry, independence, stubbornness, smarts, and open-mindedness. Moana's leadership qualities and her struggle for freedom reflect prejudices attributed to her during the movie's release. The study highlights the application of these stereotypes in Moana's actions and her determination to save Motunui Island from darkness.



In the Disney movie Moana, gender stereotypes are both challenged and reinforced, though the film largely leans toward breaking traditional gender norms.

  • Moana is portrayed as a brave, independent, and capable leader — qualities often reserved for male characters in traditional adventure stories. She doesn’t need a prince or romantic interest to complete her journey, which goes against the classic Disney "princess" narrative.
  • Moana is chosen to be the next chief of her village, showcasing that leadership is not gender-specific. Her father, the chief, initially hesitates, but it’s clear Moana earns respect through her actions.
  • Moana undertakes a physically demanding journey across the ocean, faces numerous dangers, and shows emotional resilience — all traits that challenge the stereotype of women being passive or emotionally fragile.

Phenomenon of gender stereotypes apply to the main character of the Disney movie Moana

    1. Moana's leadership traits as a female and main character

Moana has shown herself to be a strong woman via her acts. Unlike previous Disney princess movies, which are more domestic in style and typically feature married couples and love relationships. Moana and the inhabitants of her island are happy at the movie's conclusion, demonstrating Moana's potential for leadership as her father's heir. Despite the constraints that her own father established, Moana's inherent leadership qualities make her a Disney princess with a high social spirit and a strong leadership spirit. Moana counsels everyone, stating that both men and women have the right to hold positions of leadership and that no one has the right to restrict a woman's freedom of movement, even though she must abide by the laws in place. 

When Moana repeatedly says, "I am Moana from Motunui" and commands Maui to give back the heart of Te Fiti that he took so that his community might be saved from destruction, it is clear that she has self-confidence and believes in her own power and leadership. Moana received no assistance from any men but the water, which led her to Maui. Her main source of support was the water, and she had complete faith in her ability to locate Maui and save her island from annihilation. After rejecting Moana as a woman and realizing that she needs his assistance, Maui finally gives up, accepts his job, and acknowledges that Moana possesses extremely strong leadership qualities.


       2.  Moana's struggle to get her freedom


In order to return Te Fiti's heart and preserve her town, Moana's grandmother instructed her to cross the ocean and search for Maui, as shown in the image above. When Moana decided to travel and rid her island of darkness, Moana's grandmother handed Te Fiti's heart to her. Moana's mother observed Moana packing as she was getting ready. Her father did not know about Moana's travels. Without her father's consent, Moana left in secret, but her mother gave her permission by helping her pack covertly.

Moana's revolt against her father is blatantly apparent; she desires to live in complete independence. When Moana was going to cross a rock without her father's knowledge, her disobedience could be noticed. Moana wants to be free of her father's rules and experience true freedom. One of Moana's greatest ambitions is to cross the reef since she just wants to save her island from the darkness, but her father won't let her because he believes that women are weak animals.




Moana, the main character in the Disney movie Moana, embodies eight traits associated with gender stereotypes, including optimism, curiosity, bravery, independence, stubbornness, intelligence, support, and open-mindedness. These traits are correlated with the hypothesis put forward by Rimmon-Kenan, indicating that Moana possesses both male and female traits. The movie also highlights the use of gender stereotypes in Moana's leadership qualities, highlighting the challenges women face in today's society. Moana's determination to take calculated risks and fight for independence is a testament to her leadership skills, challenging the stereotypical gender roles that have been established since her father's rule.

Moana marks a significant shift in how gender roles are portrayed in Disney films. Traditionally, Disney princesses have been shown as passive characters who rely on male heroes for rescue, love, or validation (e.g., Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty). However, Moana's character challenges this outdated formula by embodying qualities typically associated with male heroes, such as courage, leadership, independence, and perseverance. She is not motivated by romance or the desire to be saved. Instead, her journey is driven by a personal calling and a strong sense of responsibility to her people. This shows a break from the stereotype that female characters must be defined by their relationships with men or their beauty. Moana's worth is defined by her character, not her appearance or romantic desirability.

Moreover, her leadership is earned through action and wisdom, not simply inherited. Even when others doubt her, she rises through her own efforts. That alone pushes back against the stereotype that leadership is a male-dominated trait. Importantly, while Moana does display traditionally feminine traits like compassion, empathy, and emotional intelligence, the film doesn’t present these as weaknesses. Instead, they are shown as vital strengths that help her succeed. This challenges the binary thinking that toughness and action belong to men, while emotions belong to women. By showing a female character who can be both strong and nurturing, the film promotes a more balanced, modern view of gender roles — one that values people for their inner strengths rather than assigning roles based on outdated stereotypes.

In summary, Moana not only redefines what it means to be a “princess,” but it also redefines what it means to be a hero — showing that bravery, leadership, and strength are human qualities, not gendered ones.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Coke Advertisement Design Analysis

Image
                                Taste The Feeling The advertisement above that will be analyzed was created for the new big Coca-Cola campaign titled “Taste the Feeling” in 2016.                                                      Contrast The dark and light parts in the picture demonstrate the contrast in this commercial. The people stand out against a bright, light background while wearing dark attire. The viewer's attention is drawn to the joyful and smiling couple and then to the bottle of Coke that the girl is holding because of the stark contrast in hue. The Coca-Cola logo likewise makes use of contrast. It stands out and attracts the viewer's attention since it is isolated in the upper left corner and is a vivid red on a black background.     ...
Read more

Gender stereotypes in Sri Lankan society

Image
Gender stereotypes in Sri Lankan society are shaped by cultural, religious, and historical influences. These stereotypes often assign specific roles, behaviors, and expectations to individuals based on their gender, and they can limit opportunities and reinforce inequality. Women are primarily homemakers In traditional Sri Lankan culture, women are often expected to stay at home, take care of the household, cook, clean, and raise children. This stereotype is deeply rooted in cultural and religious teachings, and it is still prevalent in many rural and urban families. Even when women work, they are often expected to continue managing household responsibilities without support from their husbands. It limits women’s career growth. It adds pressure to balance home and work life. It reduces recognition of women’s contributions beyond the household. Men should not show vulnerability Sri Lankan boys are often taught from a young age to "be strong" and not cry or express emotions. Th...
Read more

Analysis of Strange World (2022)

Image
  In Disney's 2022 animated film Strange World , Ethan Clade is portrayed as a 16-year-old biracial teenager who is openly gay. Voiced by Jaboukie Young-White, Ethan's character is depicted as empathetic, bold, and impulsive, typical traits of adolescence. His romantic feelings for his friend Diazo are presented as a natural aspect of his character, seamlessly integrated into the storyline without being the central focus. Strange World differs from this norm by making Ethan’s sexuality clear and transparent. He openly has a crush on Diazo, and his parents are entirely supportive. Ethan’s queerness is an integral part of who he is and does not form the main conflict of the movie. This signifies a change from subtext to text and highlights Disney’s growing trust with LGBTQ+ inclusion in family-friendly animation. Ethan Clade, a gay teenager who publicly displays romantic feelings for a younger boy named Diazo, is featured in Strange World. Rather than using subtext “blink-and-y...
Read more