Feminism in children's animated films: perspective on characterization by UMTC student viewers

Abstract

This study, titled Feminism in Children's Animated Films: Perspectives on Characterization by UMTC Student Viewers, aims to learn more about how students perceive female empowerment characterization approaches and what their varied opinions are on female character representation in children's animated films. An in-depth interview (IDI) and focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted in 14 students, with 7 participating in the in-depth interview and 7 in the focus group. Respondents were University of Mindanao students in Tagum City. The obtained data were processed and evaluated utilizing data reduction, theme analysis, interpretation of the result, and verification. The data analysis uncovers that the female portrayal of the recent animated films portrays females as strong, independent, driven, and courageous. As a result, viewers may relate to these depictions since they represent an authentic woman in the current environment. The student viewers’ perspectives also posit that the current trend of characterization produced beneficial effects, such as empowering women, motivating, inspiring for both genders, and also promotes gender equality. More of these inspiring portrayals of women must be produced to continue these beneficial effects to its viewers. Lastly, analyzing the gender roles in children's films is particularly essential since stereotyped gender representations in these children’s animated films may have a tremendously serious effect on children. According to scientists, viewing television regularly might lead to a slight shift in one's perspective of reality. As a result, this hypothesis demonstrates that the media has a substantial impact on society.