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New research from Abertay University 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 "Mr. Predator and Mrs. Prey" examines how animated children's 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 in the journal Social Development, nearly 1,900 animal characters from animated children's films were analyzed. Even after accounting for an existing bias—where about 75% of all characters were male— it was found that 85% of predator characters were male. In contrast, for female characters, prey outnumbered predators four to one.

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 behavior is increasingly under the media spotlight, both online and in the real world, it's important to reflect on and properly understand how our perceptions might have been formed, and the impact these messages can have on individuals."

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

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's 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 behavior.

Dr. Wood added, "While some progress has been made toward greater gender representation in media—such as efforts by filmmakers to challenge traditional portrayals like the 'rescued princess'—the 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's a reminder that what we expose children to—whether intentionally or not—has a profound impact, often more than we realize."