Beyond Pink and Blue: A Sociolinguistic Study of Gender Contestation and Power Differentials in Children’s Animated Movies Brave and Moana

Abstract

This research aims to explore the significant role of children’s animated movies in the contestation and reinforcement of established masculinity (ies) and femininity (ies). It purports to challenge the stereotypical ideologies regarding gender roles particularly in children’s animated movies. These animated films highlight the restrictions and inequities that come with traditional gender roles that have strong influential impact on young minds. In order to investigate female empowerment and gender contestation, two animated movies, ‘Brave’ and ‘Moana’ have been selected through purposive sampling. For this purpose, the researchers employ a qualitative approach, combining two theoretical frameworks: Martin’s Positive Discourse Analysis (PDA) (2004) and Wiener’s contestation theory (2014) to examine characters and themes. PDA examines how language and discourse of these movies construct positive social meanings, identities, and relationships. Moreover, Contestation theory explores how social norms, values, and power dynamics are challenged and negotiated through female leading characters i.e Moana in Moana and Merida in Brave. Combining PDA and Contestation theory, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of how gender is represented and contested in children's animated movies. The findings highlight the ways in which these movies challenge or perpetuate societal expectations of masculinity and femininity, influencing young viewers' perceptions of gender. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of media in shaping children's understanding of gender and provides insights into the potential for animated films to promote more inclusive and diverse representations.