Portrayals of Love, Romance & Sexuality in Animated Films for Children A Content Analysis of Animated Films Released in 2018

Abstract

The media has replaced the peer group and family as a socializing agent in the modern age. The impact of media especially cartoons and animated movies are powerful on the developing minds of young children. Researches have been done on these animated movies analyzing its content for various themes and how these affect the minds of children. These movies prove to be a strong socializing agent for the children forming normative and cultural role expectations in their minds. This study is focused on a content analysis of the animated movies released during the year 2018. Sixteen movies were released during the year, which were fulllength animated feature films. The movies were analyzed for the themes of intimacy, gender and sexuality. The ratio of character by their genders, their roles in the storyline, the expressions of intimacy and seduction through verbal and nonverbal symbols, and instances of women objectification will be highlighted. Stereotypes revolving around gender and other social roles will also be analyzed. The discussion suggests the impacts such content has on the minds of children and prescribes what guardians can do to protect children from harmful effects if there are any.