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INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter fiice, while others may be from any type o f computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, b%inning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Ifigher quality 6” x 9” black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI A Bell & Howell Infoimaticn Company 300 North Zed) Road, Ann Arbor MI 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA GRADUATE COLLEGE AGING WITH DISNEY; DEPICTION OF GENDER AND AGE IN SEVEN DISNEY ANIMATED FAIRY TALES A Dissertation SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE FACULTY in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy By CAROLE J. HANNON Norman, Oklahoma 1997 UMI Number: 9722749 Copyright 1997 by Haumon, C arole J . All rights reserved. UMI Microform 9722749 Copyright 1997, by UMI Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. UMI 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 AGING WITH DISNEY: DEPICTION OF GENDER AND AGE IN SEVEN DISNEY ANIMATED FAIRY TALES A Dissertation APPROVED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION BY /I c Copyright by CAROLE J. HANNON 1997 All Rights Reserved ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This dissertation could not have been possible without the help of several very important people. First, I want to acknowledge and thank Dr. George Gerbner, Dean Emeritus, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, father of the Cultivation Theory, legend in the field of mass communication, for co-chairing my committee on a "long distance" basis. Dr. Gerbner made two trips to the University of Oklahoma on my behalf at which time he shared his expertise concerning violence in the media with students, faculty, and the political forces of Oklahoma. Even though time constraints created the need to replace him on the committee at the very last hour, he has become my mentor and friend. Second, I thank Dr. Lynda Lee Kaid, one of the busiest professors in academia, who generously gave her time to co-chair (now to chair) my committee. Her professional support, vast knowledge, and timely advice have contributed to this research immensely. Without Dr. Kaid's valuable assistance my dissertation would not have been. Third, a great deal of gratitude goes to Dr. Mitchell McKinney for offering iv his professional time and expertise at the last minute as a replacement for Dr. Gerbner. I appreciate the cooperation and the spirit of his friendship. I also thank my other committee members—Dr. Phil Lujan, Dr. Dan O'Hair of the Department of Communication, and Dr. Jay Smith of the Department of Educational, Instructional, Psychology, and Technology-for their support and encouragement. Their contribution to my graduate school experience has been rewarding. I appreciate their input, patience, and cooperation. I appreciate Marie Mathos in the Political Communication Center and Luanna Ehrlich, Carolyn Jackson, and Kristi Wright, in the Communication Department for their assistance in scheduling, answering questions, and helping me in many ways. Thanks to fellow scholars John Tedesco and Chikage Imai for their friendship and wise counsel. A giant hug goes to my son, James, and his mate, Ali, for believing in my intelligence and talent. Their long distance love and support led to some very large phone bills, but allowed me to persevere as a successful student and person. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Hipp are the high school teachers who inspired me to trust in mv abilitv to make mv dreams come true. This one's for vou. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter I. AGING WITH DISNEY: DEPICTION OF GENDER AND AGE IN SEVEN DISNEY ANIMATED FAIRY TALES: INTRODUCTION............................ I Statement of the Problem ....................................................................................2 Purpose .................................................................................................................4 Significance ..........................................................................................................5 Outline of Chapters ............................................................................................. 7 II. DISNEY, SEXISM. AGEISM, AND COMMUNICATION THEORY: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE................................................................8 Walt Disney and Disney Productions ................................................................8 Early Years............................................................................................. 8 Beginning His Career. ..........................................................................10 Early Success.........................................................................................12 The Disney Formula. ............................................................................14 The Corporate Disney ..........................................................................18 Live Action Films .................................................................................21 Theme Parks .........................................................................................23 Disney's Death ......................................................................................28 Waifs Ghost and a New Corporate Era ..............................................32 The Disney Octopus ............................................................................ 36 Sexism, Ageism, and Communication Theory ...............................................40 Mass Communication, Sex/Age Role Stereotyping, and Children .. 41 What the Media is Selling Children .................................................... 48 Children and Media Violence ..............................................................54 Cultivation Analysis ............................................................................. 57 Symbolism and Society........................................................................ 60 Family Influence on Children .............................................................. 63 Children, Aging, and Media Messages ................................................ 65 Agenda Setting and Media Control ..................................................... 69 vi III. RESEARCH METHOD AND DESIGN..........................................................73 Research Construct ............................................................................................ 73 Content Analysis ................................................................................................75 Sample ................................................................................................... 75 Categories .............................................................................................. 76 Coding Procedures ................................................................................79 Training of Coders ................................................................................ 80 Calculation of Intercoder Reliability ................................................... 81 Assessing Validity.................................................................................81 Analysis of Coding Results ...............................................................................82 Comparative Textual and Contextual Analysis ...............................................83 Sample ................................................................................................... 83 IV. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS............................................................................... 87 Tables ................................................................................................................. 88 Description and Interpretation ..........................................................................89 All Characters by Video (Table 1) .......................................................89 All Characters and Major and Minor Characters by Age and Gender (Tables 2-4) ............................................. 97 All Characters and Major and Minor Characters by Perpetrators of Violence, Victims of Violence, and Both Perpetrators and Victims of Violence (Tables 5-13) .........................................100 All Characters and Major and Minor Characters., by Status or Position-Minor, Important, Main Goal (Tables 14-22) .......................................................105 All Characters and Major and Minor Characters by Role-Mostly Light, Comic;