Gendered Representations of Domestic Labor and Employment in Disney Plus Cartoons: A Content Analysis
JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10826-026-03324-y
- Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CINAHL, Criminal Justice Abstracts, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, Criminal Justice Periodical Index, Social Sciences Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Criminology Collection (ProQuest), Education Collection (ProQuest), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO), Sociology Database (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır
Özet
This study investigates how characters are portrayed in children's cartoons on Disney Plus, with a focus on gender-based divisions of labor and justice. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative content analysis methods, the research aims to understand how gender roles are embedded in media narratives and how these portrayals might influence children's perceptions of equality in domestic and professional contexts. The sample includes 98 episodes from 49 animated series on Disney Junior and Disney Channel. A structured observation form was used to code each character in terms of gender, parental status, humanity, employment, and engagement in domestic tasks. Coding was conducted by two independent observers, and inter-rater reliability was established. Findings reveal a significant imbalance in gender representation: 67.6% of characters were male, and male characters were much more likely to be portrayed as employed. Female characters, especially mothers, were more often shown performing domestic chores, including childcare and cleaning. These patterns reflect and reinforce traditional gender norms, where authority and employment are associated with men, and domestic responsibilities with women. In the context of this study, gender equality is defined as equal representation and role diversity in both domestic and public spheres. The observed imbalance may limit children's exposure to alternative gender models and hinder efforts toward achieving equal participation across genders in both private and professional life.