尤物视频

New research from 尤物视频 reveals that popular animated films featuring animal characters may be shaping harmful gender stereotypes in children. 

Led by Dr Lara Wood, Reader in Psychology at Abertay, the study 鈥溾�� examines how animated children鈥檚 media consistently depict predators as male and prey as female. 

The research suggests that this recurring pattern reinforces the idea that males are associated with aggression and dominance, while females are linked to vulnerability and weakness. 

In the study published in the journal Social Development, nearly 1,900 animal characters from animated children鈥檚 films were analysed. Even after accounting for an existing bias鈥攚here around 75% of all characters were male鈥� it was found that 85% of predator characters were male. In contrast, for female characters, prey outnumbered predators four to one. 

In a follow-up study, over 130 children aged 4鈥�14 and adults up to age 65 participated in interactive tests, which revealed these same strong gendered associations. This suggests that these stereotypes are internalised early in life and can persist into adulthood. 

Dr Wood said:

In the animal world, a predator is no more likely to be a male than female, and likewise for prey but these movies perpetuate this narrative, and children acquire this stereotype young. This study shows how easily potentially harmful stereotypes can be learned by children from everyday media. While some argue that stereotypes reflect real-world differences, this study demonstrates that children can develop false assumptions and lasting misconceptions that often persist into adulthood. In an era where predatory behaviour is increasingly under the media spotlight, both online and in in the real world, it鈥檚 important to reflect on and properly understand how our perceptions might have been formed, and the impact these messages can have on individuals.

The findings contribute to growing calls for more nuanced and responsible portrayals in the many forms of media consumed by young people during critical developmental stages.  

Dr Wood noted that social media鈥檚 influence on children was a central theme in the recent Netflix series Adolescence which depicts how harmful stereotypes of masculinity can affect young people in their teenage years, shaping perceptions of gender roles and behaviour. 

Dr Wood added:

While some progress has been made toward greater gender representation in media鈥攕uch as efforts by filmmakers to challenge traditional portrayals like the 鈥榬escued princess鈥欌�攖he work is far from complete. To build a more equal society, we need to critically examine and reform the messages we send to our children. This study also highlights the need for further interdisciplinary research into how media influences development and stereotype formation. It鈥檚 a reminder that what we expose children to鈥攚hether intentionally or not鈥攈as a profound impact, often more than we realise.