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Gender Bender
Movies that defy gender stereotypes
In order to develop children, they should see a wide range of male and female characters, displaying a range of traits, behaviours, and beliefs, in the movies they watch. This is because when children see stereotyped gender roles portrayed over and over in movies, it can affect the way they think about themselves and what they can grow up to be. Children are receptive to their influence, making it even more evident that it is important to look for positive gender portrayals in children's movies.
How stereotypes are portrayed in children's movie (and their evolution).
Black Widow
Marvel movies started producing movies with female superheroes in early 2010 when black widow appeared in Iron Man 2. She appeared to be a strong independent woman but at the same time sexualized due to the tight catsuit with the zipper pulled down that she was wearing. Despite that, the actress playing Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) who felt like she was being sexualized during her performance, decided to speak up about the issue and create change rather than focusing on the black widow as a possession or an object, and focus on her as the independent woman that she is.
Movies for children between age 6-9
Disney
Mulan
Disneyfied but dignified tale of Chinese warrior
On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
Mulan & gender stereotypes:
The whole sequence harkens to the ultra-feminine satirical number “Honor to Us All,” where the film makes it clear that Mulan rejects strict gender roles
Movies for children between age 10-13
Marvel
Captain Marvel
A powerful female superhero story has some violence and language.
On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Captain Marvel & gender stereotypes:
Perhaps the most significant departure in Captain Marvel from previous depictions of womanhood in marvel is that she draws her strength from her deep friendship with a woman and fellow fighter pilot, Maria Rambeau, instead of any romantic with a man.