FEMINISM AND SOCIETY
Feminism in media is an ever-evolving dialogue that reflects societal attitudes toward gender roles, empowerment, and individuality. Lilo & Stitch emerges as a bold voice in this conversation by presenting two female characters, Nani and Lilo, who defy traditional norms and offer nuanced perspectives on womanhood. Feminism in this context is not limited to activism or rebellion; it extends to everyday resilience and self-expression.
Feminism is a social, political, and cultural movement advocating for the equality of all genders, with a particular focus on addressing and dismantling the systemic inequalities and discrimination faced by women Feminism seeks to ensure that individuals of all genders have equal rights, opportunities, and freedoms in every aspect of life, including education, work, politics, healthcare, and personal relationships
HOW DOES SOCIETY TAKE A TOLL? WHAT IS FEMINSIM ?
Feminism includes various approaches to gender equality. Liberal feminism seeks change through legal reforms, radical feminism aims to dismantle patriarchy, and intersectional feminism addresses overlapping oppressions like race and class. Socialist feminism connects gender inequality to capitalism, while ecofeminism links environmental and feminist issues Each focuses on different aspects of achieving equality.
Society often places immense pressure on women through rigid expectations and stereotypes, affecting their personal and professional lives Women are frequently expected to conform to traditional roles, such as being caregivers or maintaining idealized standards of beauty, while simultaneously excelling in careers. These expectations can lead to burnout, self-doubt, and a lack of autonomy Feminism challenges these societal norms by advocating for gender equality and dismantling oppressive systems that limit women’s choices It promotes the idea that women should not be confined by societal expectations but instead be free to define their own paths without judgment or discrimination.
The film “Lilo & Stitch” subtly critiques societal expectations of women by portraying the challenges faced by Nani as a caregiver and the rejection of conformity through Lilo’s spirited individuality. Through its feminist lens, it invites viewers to reflect on how society often underestimates or oversimplifies women’s roles.
The Hawaiian setting adds cultural depth to this feminist exploration. The sense of community, the importance of family, and the unique challenges of island life shape Nani and Lilo's experiences This cultural backdrop not only enriches the story but also highlights the intersectionality of feminism, reminding viewers that gender roles are deeply influenced by cultural and societal contexts
Feminism In The Feminism In The FACE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Nani Pelekai’s journey in Lilo & Stitch serves as a profound representation of resilience in the face of immense societal and familial pressure. After the tragic loss of their parents, Nani steps into the dual role of sister and legal guardian for her younger sibling, Lilo This shift thrusts her into adulthood prematurely, forcing her to juggle financial obligations, the emotional complexities of caregiving, and the unrelenting judgment of society all while navigating her own youth
The film poignantly captures Nani’s resilience as both a strength and a weighty burden. Her struggles with securing stable employment, her visible exhaustion from juggling caregiving with the demands of work, and her interactions with social services depict the systemic challenges faced by women who take on caregiving roles As highlighted in Gender & Society by Sociologists for Women in Society (1987), societal expectations disproportionately position women as primary caregivers, often without providing adequate support or recognition Nani’s sacrifices setting aside her own aspirations and desires for Lilo’s well-being echo these gendered expectations, offering a critique of how caregiving, while vital, is undervalued and marginalized.
This is vividly illustrated in the scene where Nani, desperate to keep her family together,attendsajobinterviewataluaurestaurantonlytobeturnedawayafteran accidental disruption caused by Lilo and Stitch(Sanders & DeBlois, 2002) The rejection visibly devastates Nani, as it signifies another hurdle in her already precarious efforts to provide for her sister This moment highlights the external pressures that compound her challenges, including the societal expectation that women should balance caregiving and employment seamlessly, regardless of the lack of structural support. It aligns with the systemic inequities described in Gender & Society (1987), demonstrating that women like Nani are often placed in impossible situations where failure is unjustly attributed to personal inadequacies rather than systemicshortcomings
The parallels between the challenges Nani faces in 2002 and the systemic inequities highlighted in Gender & Society in 1987 reveal how little has changed, even decades later in 2024 Both the article and the film demonstrate that the gendered expectations placed on women to prioritize caregiving often remain uncompromising, with societal structures failing to adapt or provide meaningful change. Despite advances in technology, education, and policy, the cultural ideal of women as selfsacrificingcaregiverscontinuestoperpetuateharshexpectations.
In celebrating Nani, Lilo & Stitch sheds light on the quiet heroism of women who navigate these pressures with grace and determination. However, it also calls attention to the need for systemic change a reimagining of societal values that recognizes caregiving as essential, not invisible Nani’s story, though fictional, resonates with real-life struggles, making her a timeless emblem of resilience in a world that continues to demand too much of women while giving too little in return.
Rebellion Through Individuality
"I'm Sorry I Bit You, And Pulled Your Hair And, Punched You In The Face" (Lilo, 2002).
Lilo’s bold personality is not without nuance, as she displays both strength and accountability. One notable scene in Lilo & Stitch demonstrates her ability to own up to her mistakes. After a fight with another child, Lilo apologizes, saying, "I'm sorry I bit you, and pulled your hair, and punched you in the face." This moment reflects Lilo’s emotional complexity her bravery lies not just in standing out but also in admitting when she is wrong. Her apology is sincere and unapologetically direct, staying true to her bold personality. Lilo does not apologize for who she is but for her specific actions, showing she understands the importance of accountability without compromising her individuality.
This scene reinforces the film’s critique of rigid societal expectations, particularly for young girls, who are often pressured to suppress strong emotions or conform to ideals of politeness and passivity. Instead, Lilo embodies a redefinition of femininity that embraces imperfection, emotional honesty, and resilience.
Margareta Sörenson's discussion in Redefining Femininity in Today’s Theatre aligns with this portrayal, highlighting the need for female characters who challenge traditional roles and showcase the depth of their personalities. Lilo’s ability to balance strength and accountability redefines what it means to be feminine, demonstrating that courage includes acknowledging one’s flaws while remaining unapologetically authentic (Sörenson,2010) Her character is a vital example of how bravery and individuality can coexist with selfawareness, making her a model for redefining femininity in modern media. Through Lilo, the film suggests that strong, complex personalities are not just acceptable but essential for challenging societal norms and inspiring new perspectives
In Disney Films Feminine Archetypes
Disney has long played a role in shaping cultural perceptions of femininity through its animated films, evolving its portrayal of female characters over time. .
Schiele, Louie, and Chen (2020) highlight in Marketing Feminism in Youth Media: A Study of Disney and Pixar Animation that early Disney films often adhered to traditional feminine archetypes—princesses like Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, who embodied qualities of passivity, beauty, and domesticity. These characters largely conformed to societal expectations of femininity, with their stories centering on romantic resolutions and external validation
In contrast, Disney’s modern narratives, including Lilo & Stitch, mark a shift toward more complex, multidimensional female protagonists who challenge these traditional archetypes. Lilo, in particular, defies conventional feminine roles by embodying rebellion, individuality, and emotional depth. Her character does not seek external validation through romance but instead prioritizes familial bonds, personal growth, and the acceptance of imperfection.
Lilo’s personality—bold, unapologetically quirky, and deeply emotional—expands the range of femininity presented in Disney films. She demonstrates that femininity can include traits like resilience, assertiveness, and emotional honesty, breaking away from earlier stereotypes of docility and conformity. Schiele et al. argue that Disney and Pixar increasingly market feminist ideals to younger audiences by depicting strong, independent, and diverse female characters(2020).
Lilo exemplifies this progression by challenging societal norms and embracing individuality, reflecting a redefinition of femininity that resonates with contemporary feminist discourse. Her unapologetic personality and her willingness to own her mistakes (e.g., her heartfelt apology scene) further illustrate the shift toward portraying girls as complex, courageous, and selfaware individuals.
Through Lilo’s character, Lilo & Stitch contributes to the ongoing evolution of Disney’s feminine archetypes, offering a model of femininity that celebrates imperfection, strength, and authenticity. This aligns with Schiele et al.'s observation that modern youth media plays a pivotal role in reshaping gender expectations, fostering a broader and more inclusive understanding of what it means to be feminine.
OFWOMEN
Strength beyond weakness
Disney & Victimization
Abdulqadr et al. (2021) explore the dual representation of women in Disney classics, oscillating between empowerment and victimization. The study reveals that while Disney films often present female protagonists with progressive traits, they simultaneously subject them to societal constraints, reinforcing traditional gender roles. This tension reflects broader cultural struggles with feminism and patriarchal norms.
Nani & Feminism
In Lilo & Stitch (2002), this dichotomy is evident. Nani, the older sister, embodies strength and independence, juggling parental responsibilities and financial pressures. Yet, she faces systemic challenges, such as employment discrimination, echoing realworld gender inequalities. Conversely, Lilo represents resilience and defiance against societal expectations, challenging the victim narrative often ascribed to young girls in media.
The film’s nuanced portrayal of femininity resists traditional Disney tropes, aligning with feminist ideals by showcasing women as multifaceted individuals. It critiques victimization through Nani’s struggles while celebrating female agency, making it a critical text in feminist media studies.
REDEFINING FEMININITY
Through its unique approach, Lilo & Stitch reshaped societal perceptions of femininity, encouraging audiences to value diverse expressions of womanhood and redefining the feminist narrative within animated storytelling.
LILO & STITCH [2002]
Lilo & Stitch redefined feminism in Disney films by offering a refreshing departure from traditional narratives centered around romance or male saviors. Instead, it highlights the strength, resilience, and complexity of women through the characters of Nani and Lilo.
Unlike other Disney movies that often interweave female empowerment with romantic subplots, Lilo & Stitch focuses solely on the bond between two sisters and their struggles to navigate societal pressures, family responsibilities, and personal growth. This emphasis on female agency and the absence of a male-centric narrative positions the film as a groundbreaking exploration of women’s strength and independence. It champions feminism by portraying women not as damsels in distress but as multifaceted individuals capable of overcoming adversity.
References
Sources
Abdulqadr,K.S.,Sharif,R.H.,Omer,R.J.,&Abdul,Z.K.(2021).DisneyClassicsbetweenFeminismand VictimizationofWomen:AHistoricalAnalysis.TechniumSocialSciencesJournal,21,833–839. .....https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v21i1.3853
Lilo&Stitch(2002).DirectedbyChrisSandersandDeanDeBlois.WaltDisneyFeature ....Animation.
MargaretaSörenson.(2010).RedefiningFemininityinToday’sTheatre.CriticalStages(Paris),3. SociologistsforWomeninSociety,&SociologistsforWomeninSociety.(1987).Gender&society(Online). ....SagePublications.
Schiele,K.,Louie,L.,&Chen,S.(2020).Marketingfeminisminyouthmedia:AstudyofDisneyandPixar ....animation.BusinessHorizons,63(5),659–669.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2020.05.001
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