Monday, November 2, 2009

Child Maltreatment in Disney Films

The purpose of this article was to look at Disney’s full length animated films from 1937 to 2006 for any images of neglect or physical and emotional abuse as defined by the National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (NIS). Previous research has shown that violent behaviour in media exposure increases the likelihood of aggressive behaviour. The fact that Disney is so popular within our culture and that the movies are so widely known and available can speak to the possible influences they might have on the viewers.

The article found that out of all 45 films that there were a total of 561 instances of neglect or abuse towards infant, child or adolescent characters. Moreover, it was found that 1360 characters in general experienced some form of maltreatment. Specifically 62% of the main characters were affected. Emotional abuse was the most common in the films and all characters of different age and role were subjected to it. Physical abuse was typically towards young children and adolescent characters by older characters who were often members of the family as a form of punishment. "These incidents are brief, and potentially humorous, and are shown as normal, accepted actions, by people who care for the children. Earlier research has suggested that media depictions of important social issues may, when those depictions vary from reality, contribute to the problem."

Pinocchio, Peter Pan, The Incredibles and Chicken Little had the highest instances.

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