Investigating how foreign animations cultivate gender roles in Ghanaian children a case study of Mufasa the Lion King

Abstract

This study examines how foreign animations, with specific reference to Mufasa: The Lion King, cultivates gender role among Ghanaian children. Drawing on Gender Schema Theory and guided by three objectives, the study investigated the gender roles portrayed in the animation, examine children’s perspectives of these roles, and explore the socialization agents influencing both the animated content and children’s lived experiences. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through interviews and narrative responses with children aged 9–12, complemented by thematic content analysis of the animation. Findings indicate that the animation presents a combination of traditional and evolving gender roles. Male characters are predominantly portrayed as strong leaders, while female characters are largely associated with caregiving roles, alongside counterstereotypical female representations that challenge conventional norms. Children’s interpretations of these portrayals reflect both familiarity with traditional gender expectations and aspirational views of alternative roles, illustrating a transitional gender socialization context in Ghana. In addition, the study reveals that socialization agents such as family, school, and peers play a significant role in shaping how children interpret and internalize gendered messages from the animation. The study concludes that foreign animations simultaneously reinforce and reshape gender expectations among Ghanaian children and underscores the importance of media literacy education, parental guidance, and support for inclusive and locally produced animations to promote equitable gender socialization.