Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Date of Submission

2026-06-22

Advisor

Dr. Tehzeeb Sakina Amir, Assistant Professor - SSLA,SESS

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

Gen Alpha, Media Diet, Consumption, Adolescents, Gender Schema Theory, New-Age Disney, Performative Progressivism, Femvertising, Karachi, Reflexive Thematic Analysis, Demographic Flight

Abstract

This study explores how “Gen Alpha” males internalize concepts of female agency through exposure to modern animated media, with a focus on contemporary Disney films. As children's media has evolved from traditional "damsel in distress" portrayals to more empowered female characters, this research investigated whether these changes are influencing young viewers’ perceptions of gender roles. The study employed a qualitative and analytical framework for written content, with participants drawn from middle-to-upper-class private schools in Karachi, Pakistan. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns related to gender role concepts and beliefs of female agency. The findings provide insight into how Gen Alpha boys construct their understanding of gendered power, capability, and leadership in response to contemporary media influences produced for their age group by global media powerhouses, such as Disney. Ethical protocols in line with data collection from minors have been strictly followed. This research contributes to the growing literature on media influence and gender socialization in early developmental stages and highlights the need for further culturally specific investigations into how young audiences process evolving gender narratives.

Pages

80

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