Fairy Tales: A Mold for Male Mentalities
Major
English – Literature
Second Major
Educational Studies
Submission Type
Oral Presentation
Area of Study or Work
English-Literature
Faculty Advisor
Michael Theune
Location
CNS E103
Start Date
4-13-2024 8:30 AM
End Date
4-13-2024 9:30 AM
Abstract
A large body of existing research suggests that fairy tales are beneficial for children–that they help children orient themselves in both the world and their society, navigate their personal development, and confront and solve any subconscious conflicts and struggles that they may be facing. Another trend in the theory of fairy tales (though largely under the scope of the feminist lens) focuses, however, on the negative implications that the overwhelming presence of gender stereotypes within them has on female audiences. So, that leaves a gap: might fairy tales be harmful to male audiences as well? My work, which in this presentation will focus on the Brothers Grimm's “Little Snow White” and their “Little Briar-Rose,” indicates that, indeed, they can be–that they convey gendered stereotypes detrimental to male’s mentalities and psychological development, by, for example, weighing them down with such notions as needing to save and/or provide for others as well as constantly be brave. Additionally, my work suggests that the male gender stereotypes presented in fairy tales are merely exacerbated by how males are continuously perceived and thus treated by American society. I ultimately make the case that, by upholding patriarchal structures, fairy tales are problematic and do more harm than good not only for females but for males, as well.
Fairy Tales: A Mold for Male Mentalities
CNS E103
A large body of existing research suggests that fairy tales are beneficial for children–that they help children orient themselves in both the world and their society, navigate their personal development, and confront and solve any subconscious conflicts and struggles that they may be facing. Another trend in the theory of fairy tales (though largely under the scope of the feminist lens) focuses, however, on the negative implications that the overwhelming presence of gender stereotypes within them has on female audiences. So, that leaves a gap: might fairy tales be harmful to male audiences as well? My work, which in this presentation will focus on the Brothers Grimm's “Little Snow White” and their “Little Briar-Rose,” indicates that, indeed, they can be–that they convey gendered stereotypes detrimental to male’s mentalities and psychological development, by, for example, weighing them down with such notions as needing to save and/or provide for others as well as constantly be brave. Additionally, my work suggests that the male gender stereotypes presented in fairy tales are merely exacerbated by how males are continuously perceived and thus treated by American society. I ultimately make the case that, by upholding patriarchal structures, fairy tales are problematic and do more harm than good not only for females but for males, as well.