Cinderella

Working Thesis :

Cinderella by Charles Perrault is a popular fairy tale which reflects its significant influence on shaping children’s perceptions of gender roles, societal expectations for females, and the perpetuation of traditional gender stereotypes.

Brown , Kaitlyn M. “Salve Regina University Digital Commons @ Salve Regina.” Happily Ever
After? How Disney Princesses Represent Gender Role Stereotypes in Animated and Live Action
Films, Brown, Kaitlyn M , 11 May 2020,

This article delves into the portrayal of Disney princesses in both animated and live-action films, and how their stories often follow the “happily ever after” narrative. It highlights the idea that these princesses may unintentionally promote traditional expectations for how boys and girls should act. The article is studying if the methods by which Disney princesses achieve happiness in their movies, often through things like finding true love or marrying a prince, might make people think more about traditional expectations of how boys and girls should act and behave. In other words, it’s exploring whether these movies might influence our ideas about gender roles. However, it also portrays how a female will only be saved if she is married or falling in love with someone which raises expectations of how we’re always supposed to get our happiness ever after when in real life it is not as accurate all the time.

Olof Wilén Rönnqvist. Estetiska-Filosofiska Fakulteten: The Changing Nature of Female
Portrayal and Analysis of Gender Roles in Fairy Tales, Engelska C-uppsats.

This article discusses how the portrayal of female characters in fairy tales has changed over time. It’s like exploring how princesses and heroines in these stories have transformed from being passive and in need of rescue to becoming more independent and capable. The article looks at what these changes in portrayal mean for society and what messages are being sent to both children and adults when they read or hear these fairy tales. Additionally, the article dives deep into the evolution of gender roles in fairy tales. It examines whether these stories now reflect more progressive values about women’s roles and capabilities or if they still hold on to traditional gender stereotypes. By analyzing these changes in how female characters are portrayed, the article prompts us to think about the impact of these tales on our beliefs and societal expectations when it comes to the roles of women.

Ridgeway, C.L., Diekema, D. (1992). Are Gender Differences Status Differences?. In:
Gender, Interaction, and Inequality. Springer, New York, NY.
https://doi-org.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/10.1007/978-1-4757-2199-7_7.

In the article “Gender Differences Status Differences,” the authors delve into the fascinating world of how men and women are treated differently in society. They want to figure out why, in many places, men often end up with more power and higher positions than women. This isn’t just about individual choices; it’s about how our culture and society as a whole play a role. They talk about things like how people have certain expectations and beliefs about what men and women are good at, and how these ideas can lead to biases and unfairness. It’s an exploration of why these gaps exist and what keeps them going. Understanding these issues is crucial for making our world fairer and more equal for everyone. This matter cannot be overlooked, it’s actually creating complexities for us women in our pursuit of a fair and equal life.

Lieberman, Marcia R. “‘Some Day My Prince Will Come’: Female Acculturation through the
Fairy Tale.” College English, vol. 34, no. 3, 1972, pp. 383–95. JSTOR,
https://doi.org/10.2307/375142. Accessed 5 Oct. 2023.

The research delves into how fairy tales affect children’s growth, particularly in terms of gender. It aims on how these stories have a negative effect on societal expectations and personal identities, with a special focus on the impact on young girls, emphasizing the enduring influence of fairy tales on both individuals and our culture as a whole. Fairy tales are often portrayed that princesses are always weak and in need of rescue, while the princes are portrayed as strong and heroic figures. These portrayals can lead children to absorb gender stereotypes, which might limit their understanding of different genders and make harmful ideas about how boys and girls should act even stronger. Furthermore, gender stereotyped fairy tales can influence children’s attitudes and behavior. For example, children who frequently engage with such tales may develop more rigid beliefs about what is considered “appropriate” behavior for boys and girls, affecting their self- concept and interactions with others. In conclusion, while fairy tales remain a beloved part of childhood, their themes and messages can significantly impact children’s development and perceptions of gender roles and stereotypes.