Abstract of thesis entitled Role models and gendered messages in Disney princess movies Submitted by Lin Jing, M-B34006-2 for the degree of Master of Arts in English Studies at the University of Macau in May, 2016 This research thesis examines issues relating to language, gender and role model construction in Disney princess movies. In particular, it looks at the ways in which ideology shifts and character attributes change through discourse in five Disney movies including Snow White (1937), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Pocahontas (1995), Tangled (2010) and Frozen (2013). Ideology shifts are compared to the main messages presented in three "waves" of the U.S.A. feminist movement. Analyses indicate that female (princess-like) and male (prince-like) protagonists display changes in their appearance, personality, social role modeling, and gender relations. It is found that, although some stereotypical or particular messages are unchanged, the plot and role construction in Disney movies reflect critical claims evident in the three waves of feminism. It is also argued that modern role model princesses show positive development and are likely to have new impacts on young audiences. New princesses are able to possess beauty and brains at the same time, and they strive to achieve self-value rather than waiting only for "love at first sight." New princesses show progress in controlling their own destiny by breaking the "cult of domesticity" and fighting inequality. However, messages such as self-sacrificing and being incomplete without a family are still recurring features found in the Disney princess movies analyzed. Key words: Discourse analysis, language and gender, gendered messages in Disney movies, princess, role models