Traditional fairy tale or egalitarian fairy tale? A Case study of Rapunzel

This study examines the effects of traditional and egalitarian fairy tales on children, focusing on the Rapunzel tale. The research aims to understand parents' perceptions of these two different types of fairy tales and their preferences for which type of tales to recommend to their children. The study was conducted using a qualitative research method, specifically descriptive analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five parents, and thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data, leading to the identification of themes and sub-themes. The findings indicate that the majority of parents prefer egalitarian fairy tales, believing that these tales instill values such as courage, confidence, and modern principles in children. In contrast, traditional fairy tales were found lacking in terms of gender and educational content and were not favored by some parents. This study highlights the significant role that the choice of fairy tales plays in children's development and suggests that parents should make informed decisions regarding the stories they introduce to their children.