Semiotic analysis of cultural differences between the representation of female protagonists in Disney animations and Hayao Miyazaki animes

This thesis focuses on the semiotic analysis of the female hero in the Disney Company animations and the Hayao Miyazaki animations and investigates in detail the cultural differences between the female protagonists. Semiology has shown a theoretical way to understand and explain the representations used when depicting females. The purpose of this research is to answer the question of how women are viewed within the two very different cultures through the study of female protagonists in animation and anime, with their most popular and respected representatives, Hayao Miyazaki and the Disney Company. These animations exemplify the way society views women in Japanese culture and American culture, and the place and importance of women in society. While observing Hayao Miyazaki's cultural signs that display women stronger and more independent, the Disney Company has strengthened women to a similar level of heroic independence over time, but has not shown much variability, mainly in the perspective of women and in certain stereotypical patterns. In this research, two different cultures provide important data on modeling and gender roles in women, showing that these animations appeal to a large audience and play an important role in influencing people.