PhD Coursework Paper 1- Research Methodology

PhD Coursework

Paper-1

Research Methodology

AI in Literature Review: Enhancing Research Efficiency and Accuracy

This blog, developed as part of the PhD coursework for Paper 1: Research Methodology, delves into integrating AI tools in the literature review process. It provides a comprehensive overview of several AI-driven platforms that significantly enhance the efficiency and depth of literature reviews. Among the tools discussed are Research Rabbit, which aids in discovering relevant literature and visualizing connections between studies, and Elicit, an AI-powered assistant that streamlines the synthesis of research findings. The presentation also covers Consensus, a tool designed to summarize and provide a consensus on existing research, and ChatPDF along with Humata, which allows researchers to interact with academic papers conversationally, making key information more accessible. Additionally, Blackbox.ai is highlighted for its capabilities in managing large datasets and uncovering hidden patterns within the literature. This presentation is a valuable resource for researchers, academicians, and students looking to leverage AI to enhance their literature review process.

Here is the Presentation:

Here is the video presentation

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Environmental Studies 3- Environment

 ENVIRONMENT

The word ‘environment’ is derived from the French word 'environ', meaning to encompass or encircle. It refers to ‘entoure’, or that which surrounds us. The human environment includes biotic (living), abiotic (nonliving), and socioeconomic factors, all of which interact to shape our surroundings and influence our lives.

Various Spheres of Earth

1. Lithosphere:

The lithosphere is the solid outer layer of the Earth, encompassing the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is composed of rocks and minerals and is where we find landforms like mountains, valleys, and plains. This layer is crucial for providing natural resources such as minerals and fossil fuels, and it supports terrestrial life.

2. Atmosphere:

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding Earth, extending from the surface into space. It is composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, with traces of other gases. The atmosphere is vital for life, providing the air we breathe, protecting us from harmful solar radiation, and regulating the planet's climate through the greenhouse effect.

3. Hydrosphere:

The hydrosphere includes all the water on Earth's surface, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and glaciers, as well as groundwater. Water in the hydrosphere is essential for all living organisms and plays a key role in weather patterns and climate regulation. It is also crucial for various human activities, including agriculture, industry, and recreation.

4. Biosphere:

The biosphere encompasses all living organisms on Earth, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks. It includes all ecosystems and the interactions between different forms of life and their environments. The biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems and is essential for maintaining the balance and sustainability of life on the planet.

5. Cryosphere:

The cryosphere consists of all the frozen water on Earth, including ice caps, glaciers, sea ice, and permafrost. This sphere is crucial for regulating the Earth's climate by reflecting solar radiation and influencing ocean currents. The cryosphere also plays a significant role in the global water cycle and provides habitats for specialized forms of life.

6. Anthroposphere:

The anthroposphere, or technosphere, includes all human made structures and activities, such as cities, infrastructure, and technology. This sphere represents the human impact on the Earth and its systems. It is closely linked with the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere, as human activities significantly influence and are influenced by these natural systems.

Various Spheres of the Atmosphere

1. Troposphere:

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 815 kilometers (59 miles) high. This is where most weather events occur, and it contains the air we breathe. Temperature decreases with altitude in this layer, which holds about 75% of the atmosphere's mass.

2. Stratosphere:

The stratosphere lies above the troposphere, reaching up to about 50 kilometers (31 miles) high. This layer contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV radiation and causes temperatures to rise with altitude. The stratosphere is stable and free of weather disturbances, making it ideal for high altitude flights.

3. Mesosphere:

The mesosphere extends from 50 kilometers (31 miles) to 85 kilometers (53 miles) above Earth. It is the coldest atmospheric layer, with temperatures decreasing with altitude. This layer is where meteors burn up upon entering the atmosphere, creating bright trails.

4. Thermosphere:

The thermosphere ranges from 85 kilometers (53 miles) to 600 kilometers (373 miles) high. Temperatures increase significantly with altitude due to the absorption of high-energy radiation. The thermosphere includes the ionosphere, important for radio communication and satellite operations, and is the site of the auroras.

5. Exosphere:

The exosphere is the outermost layer, starting around 600 kilometers (373 miles) above Earth and extending into space. It has very low density, with particles so sparse they rarely collide. The exosphere gradually fades into the vacuum of space and is where many satellites orbit.

Read in detail about

Introduction

Ecology

Ecosystem

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Environmental Studies 2- Ecology

 ECOLOGY

• Ecology is the science that studies the relationships between living things and their environment. It studies the structure and functions of nature. It is often considered to be a part of biology.
• Ecology is relatively a recent discipline. The German biologist Ernst Haeckel coined the term in 1866. He defined it as 'the comprehensive science of the relationship of the organism to the environment.' 
• The Danish botanist, Eugenius Warming, wrote the first textbook on the subject.
• The term ecology is derived from two Greek words namely oikos meaning house or place to live and logos meaning study of. Ecology is the scientific study of interrelationships and interactions between different living organisms and their nonliving environment. In fact, it is the study of connections in nature.

Objectives of Ecological Study:

The primary objective of ecology is to understand the interrelationship and interdependence of biotic and abiotic parts of the environment.

Some of the objectives can be enlisted as under:

• To understand the interrelationships between organisms in population and diverse communities.

• To study the effect of temporal (related to time) changes (seasonal, annual, successional, etc.) in the occurrence of organisms.

• To study the behavior of the organisms under natural conditions.

• To study the structural adaptations and functional adjustments of organisms to their physical environment.

• To understand the biological productivity and energy flow in the natural system.

Divisions of Ecology:

There are two important divisions of Ecology namely

(1) Autecology and (ii) Synecology 

Autecology of Species Ecology is the study of individual species, their behavior and adaptation (adjust to be suitable for a new use or condition) to the environmental conditions

Synecology or Community Ecology refers to the study of different communities (groups of organisms that are associated together as a unit) , their composition, their behavior and relation to the environment. eg study of trees in a forest.

Levels of Organization in Ecology

1. Individual (Organism):

The individual level in ecology refers to a single living entity, such as a plant, animal, or microorganism. This level focuses on the basic unit of study in ecology, where the primary concern is understanding how an individual organism interacts with its environment. This includes studying its behavior, physiology, and life cycle. For example, researchers might study how a particular species of bird builds its nest, forages for food, or migrates during different seasons.

2. Population:

A population consists of a group of individuals of the same species that live in a specific geographical area. At this level, ecologists study various aspects such as population size, density, and dynamics, including birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns. Understanding populations helps in comprehending how species interact with each other and their environment, and how they adapt to changes. For instance, studying the population of deer in a forest can provide insights into their reproductive strategies, habitat preferences, and the impact of predation.

3. Community:

The community level includes different populations of species that live together in a common environment and interact with each other. This level of organization focuses on the relationships and interactions between species, such as predation, competition, and symbiosis. Communities are dynamic and can change in response to various factors like environmental changes or human activities. An example of community study might involve examining how various plant species in a meadow compete for sunlight and nutrients, and how herbivores and pollinators interact with these plants.

4. Ecosystem:

An ecosystem encompasses the community of living organisms (biotic factors) and their interactions with the nonliving (abiotic) components of their environment, such as air, water, and soil. This level is crucial for understanding the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients through different parts of the environment. Ecosystems can be as large as a forest or as small as a pond. For example, a forest ecosystem includes trees, animals, insects, and microorganisms, as well as elements like sunlight, rainfall, and soil nutrients, all interacting in complex ways.

5. Biome:

Biomes are large geographic areas characterized by specific climate conditions and particular types of plants and animals. They represent major ecological communities that extend over large areas and share similar climates, flora, and fauna. Examples of biomes include deserts, forests, grasslands, tundras, and aquatic environments. Each biome has unique characteristics and adaptations that allow organisms to survive and thrive in those conditions. For instance, desert biomes have plants and animals adapted to survive with minimal water, while rainforest biomes support a diverse range of species due to their warm, moist conditions.

6. Biosphere:

The biosphere is the global ecological system that integrates all living beings and their relationships, encompassing all ecosystems on Earth. It represents the sum of all biomes and includes every part of the planet where life exists, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. The biosphere is a closed system where energy flows and nutrients cycle through different levels of organization, maintaining the balance necessary for life. Understanding the biosphere is crucial for studying global processes like climate change, biodiversity loss, and the impacts of human activities on the planet's health.

Read in detail about

Introduction

Environment

Ecosystem

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Environmental Studies 1- Introduction

INTRODUCTION 

What is Environmental Studies?

• Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that studies human interaction with the environment to solve complex problems. 

• Interdisciplinary study of how we humans interact with the living and nonliving parts of the natural world.

Environment

The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
the natural world, as a whole or in a particular geographical area, especially as affected by human activity.

Environmental Science

• An interdisciplinary field that integrates physical, biological, and information sciences to study the environment and find solutions to environmental problems.

Environmental Engineering

• A branch of engineering focused on protecting human health and the environment by developing technologies and processes to manage natural resources and mitigate pollution.

• Application of engineering principals, under constraints to the protection and enhancement of the quality of the environment, public health, and public welfare

Environmental Studies

• A multidisciplinary academic field that examines human interaction with the environment to promote sustainability and conservation.

Differences

Ecology and Environment

Environment	Ecology
Environment refers to the interaction between the physical, chemical and biological components.	Ecology is the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment.
The environmental issues include pollution, deforestation, global warming, and other broader issues.	The ecological issues include population size, diversity, distribution of organisms, and competition between them.
Studies the internal and external factors affecting the environment.	Aims to understand life processes, distribution, adaptation and biodiversity.

Ecosystem and Environment

Environment	Ecosystem
It is the surroundings where organisms live.	It is the community where the biotic and abiotic components interact with each other.
It comprises physical components.	It comprises biological components.
It provides a living space for the elements	It provides interaction between the elements
It provides the condition to live.	It provides the relation between components to live.
Environment can be macro or micro.	Ecosystems can be aquatic or terrestrial.
An organism’s environment changes as it moves from one place to another.	The ecosystem remains the same no matter where the organism travels.
Environment is just a place in time.	Ecosystem depends upon all the essential life processes such as photosynthesis.

Ecology and Ecosystem

Ecology	Ecosystem
The interaction between the environment and living beings is the focus of ecology.	The study of various places and environments, such as streams, still water, desert, river, grassland, and woodland, is fundamental to the study of ecosystems.
Ecology is the study of the natural environment and its various ecosystems.	In general, the ecosystem is a subset of the larger ecology.
When it comes to ecology, there is no broad categorization.	The ecosystem, on the other hand, can be of several forms, such as a marine ecosystem, a forest ecosystem, or a pond ecosystem.
Ecology is the study of living entities or organisms, as well as their interactions and relationships with their surroundings.	The ecosystem, on the other hand, is a subset of ecology that encompasses all of the complex interactions between living and nonliving organisms in a community or area.
Ecology encompasses a larger view of the environment.	Every biotic and abiotic aspect in the environment makes up an ecosystem.

Ecology is the study of ecosystems whereas ecosystems are units that are formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with the environment.

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Ecology

Environment

Ecosystem

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Research Paper: From Tradition to Animation: A Critical Examination of Gender in Indian Folklore and Disney Films

From Tradition to Animation: A Critical Examination of 

Gender in Indian Folklore and Disney Films

(National Seminar- Coimbture- Blended mode)

On August 4, 2023, I presented my research paper titled 'From Tradition to Animation: A Critical Examination of Gender in Indian Folklore and Disney Films' at the National Seminar 'Confluence of Tales, Myths, and Culture in Literature, organized in a blended mode by PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. The paper delved into the deep-seated gender bias within Indian society, tracing its origins from ancient mythologies, and critically analyzing the representation of gender in Disney films. The study revealed how both contexts reinforce traditional stereotypes, contributing to the shaping of societal norms.

Abstract: 

Gender bias is a pervasive issue deeply ingrained in societal structures, with women often being misunderstood and misrepresented. In patriarchal societies like India, this bias is reflected in religious texts, mythologies, and traditional beliefs, where women are relegated to subordinate roles and restricted in their aspirations and contributions. This research paper aims to shed light on the entrenched position of women in Indian society, focusing on how mythologies contribute to the degradation of their status. It traces the roots of gender inequality back to the Aryan civilization, emphasizing the longstanding nature of the problem. Children's understanding of relationships and gender can be influenced by TV representations, which might not readily accept new information that challenges existing beliefs. Disney, a major animation company, has tried to avoid direct objectification or dependency of female characters on males. However, it still exhibits discriminatory attitudes towards men and often portrays limitations on female characters' pursuits of dreams, overshadowing their aspirations with an emphasis on marriage and domesticity. While Disney heroines gain a stronger sense of self, they perpetuate the image of an unattainable ‘perfect girl’, reinforcing traditional stereotypes. Additionally, female characters in Disney films rely heavily on support from others, reinforcing the notion that women need constant help and undermining efforts to promote gender equality. This paper delves into the portrayal of gender behaviors and appearances in both Indian folklore and Disney films, critically analyzing the perpetuation of traditional stereotypes. By examining the narratives and character representations in these two distinct cultural contexts, it seeks to draw parallels and identify the impact of gender bias on shaping societal norms and expectations.

Keywords: Gender bias, Indian Folklore, Disney Movies, ideal women,

Introduction

Gender discrimination in patriarchal India remains a pressing issue, with men holding property ownership and women facing subordinate roles. The birth of male children is celebrated, while girl childbirths are often devalued, leading to a limited emphasis on girls' education. Women endure household violence and sacrifice in critical situations, facing unequal access to education and limited employment opportunities. Challenging prevailing norms, empowering women through education, and promoting equal opportunities are essential for achieving gender equality.

Gender biases are ingrained societal constructs, impact perceptions, treatment, and worth based on gender. These biases, explicit or subtle, influence decisions, opportunities, and relationships. Recognizing their origins and outcomes is vital for fostering equality and inclusivity. Often rooted in cultural, historical, and institutional norms, tackling gender biases is essential for progress. According to the prominent feminist scholar Simone de Beauvoir, "One is not born, but rather becomes a woman" (De Beauvoir). De Beauvoir argues that gender is a social construct, not an inherent trait and that societal expectations shape the roles and behaviors assigned to men and women.

The status of women in Indian society has undergone significant changes over the centuries, particularly within the realm of religion. Wendy Doniger points out, “The female sex has never found favor with any of the world’s religions, or with their priests and prophets” (Doniger).

Women in Indian Myths/ Folklore

Looking back to the Early Vedic period which marks the composition of Rigved it provides valuable insights into the status of women during that era. Despite living within a patriarchal society, women held significant importance as joint owners of property alongside their husbands. They exercised authority over bipeds (slaves) and quadrupeds (cattle), signifying their active involvement in household economy and societal affairs. Unlike later periods, chastity did not carry excessive value during the Early Vedic Period, allowing women a degree of personal agency. Education played a vital role for women in this era. Many high-class women received education and actively engaged in intellectual and philosophical discourses. Remarkable female composers, known as ‘Brahmavadinis’, such as Gosha, Apala, Lopamudra, Maitreyi, Gargi, Indrani, Mudgalini, and Vishvara, are mentioned throughout the Rig Veda. Lopamudra, for instance, is credited with six verses in Book 1 Hymn 179, showcasing women's literary achievements (Doniger).

In ancient India, women went beyond household duties, engaging in various careers like teaching, music, dance, and even martial pursuits. Historical records highlight female warriors such as Shashiyasi, Vadhrimati, and others, showcasing their multifaceted roles. Some women, like Amajur, opted for unmarried lives. However, while the Early Vedic Period showcased women's empowerment, it wasn't universally accessible. Limited mentions of female scholars and unequal religious roles indicate constraints on women's freedoms. Male dominance persisted, seen in minor female deity roles and limited religious authority for women.

Women in Ramayana

The Ramayana, a major Indian epic, occupies a crucial role in Hindu mythology and literature. While Valmiki's rendition from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE is widely acknowledged, the epic encompasses various versions across religious beliefs and geographical regions. (Vālmīki).

In Rama's infancy, women like Kausalya, Kaikeyi, Sumitra, Manthara, and Ahalya exemplify Dharma through obedience as daughters, sisters, and wives. Deviations lead to tragedy — Sita's abduction and Ahalya's petrification. Rama's heroic rescues define the narrative. In his adulthood, the focus shifts to Sita, Urmila, Mandavi, and Shrutakirti. They embody loyalty as wives and sisters, supporting husbands. Deviation brings consequences. The forest exile introduces ambitious women like Anasuya, Surpanakha, and Shabri, challenging norms. Kaikeyi's ambition banishes Rama, and Surpanakha's assertiveness angers men, implying defiance shames women.

Goddesses like Sita, Sati, and Savitri are revered among Hindu women as embodiments of devotion, sacrifice, and loyalty to husbands. Traditional ideals spotlight women's dedication to spouses, seen in Ramayana and Mahabharata. Sita, devoted to Rama, personifies this ideal. Despite being abducted during Rama's forest exile, she overcomes challenges and reunites. Doubts about her fidelity lead to a trial by fire, vindicating her innocence. However, skepticism persists, causing Rama to send her to the forest, where she gives birth to their twin sons.

Hole highlights that Sita is revered as a paragon of virtue, offering a model for young girls to follow. Her steadfast devotion to her husband becomes an inspiration for Hindu women, fortifying traditional gender roles and cultural expectations. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that these narratives, although ingrained in Hindu culture, might not encompass the diverse viewpoints and aspirations of modern women. Depicting women solely as self-sacrificing and devoted to husbands can reinforce certain gender norms, potentially curbing opportunities for women's empowerment and agency (Hedman).

Women in Mahabharata

In contrast to the Ramayana, the Mahabharata offers a wealth of intricate female characters that defy simple categorization. While traces of patriarchy persist, they hold less sway, permitting diverse and courageous portrayals. The epic mirrors sexual liberation with varying conjugal dynamics. Women break traditional molds, revealing intellect, political sway, and martial prowess. Despite extolling devoted wives, instances like Draupadi's use as a gambling prize expose underlying mistreatment and misogyny. Remarkably, the Mahabharata's narrative features women, particularly Draupadi, questioning their husbands' choices, influencing politics, and taking charge for justice—an aspect less apparent in the Ramayana. (Arnold).

In the Mahabharata, women embrace greater sexual freedom, participating in polygamous and polyandrous relationships. Pandu's multiple wives and Draupadi's five husbands exemplify intricate conjugal dynamics. Unlike Ramayana's archetypes, Mahabharata's women exhibit diverse personalities and skills. Draupadi's mastery of 36 arts underscores her intellectual prowess. Hidimba and Amba challenge gender norms through martial abilities. Crucially, Draupadi defies tradition by questioning husbands' decisions and shaping politics, contrasting with Ramayana's submissive women. Her assertiveness marks a significant shift in female portrayal.

In the Mahabharata, obedient and self-sacrificing wives are venerated, alongside liberated depictions. Draupadi's disrobing exposes mistreatment and misogyny. Similar to Ramayana, threats to a woman's honor challenge her husband's masculinity, sparking conflict. Mahabharata's women break norms, displaying diverse roles and skills. Despite lingering patriarchy, it differs from Ramayana, presenting nuanced and varied ancient Indian female representation.

In the Puranas, goddesses exhibit two fundamental qualities: Shakti (active and creative) and Prakriti (material essence). These qualities are deemed positive when guided by masculine forces. Male gods oversee the attributes of protective and creative goddesses. Deities like Lakshmi, Sita, and Parvati honor and heed their husbands. Conversely, goddesses like Kali and Shitala are seen as potent and independent, not bound by male control.

In the article ‘Hindu Goddesses as role models for Women?’ by Hanna Hedman. Hole aligns with Hellman's view that femininity should be under male control. She notes a power dynamic where Prakriti symbolizes wildness. Women, perceived with more Prakriti, are seen as needing control to prevent overpowering. Goddess Kali exemplifies this—her consort Shiva curbs her violence. Purusa defeating Prakriti restores order, fostering harmony. (Hedman).

Women in Disney Movies

In 1937, with the release of its first animated film, Disney embarked on a journey that has spanned generations. However, despite the advancement of feminism over the years, the portrayal of female characters in Disney films has often been criticized for reinforcing passive, idealized stereotypes that cater to male characters. Throughout Disney's history, female characters have been depicted as white-skinned, slim, and dressed in a manner deemed ‘decent’. Additionally, they are frequently portrayed as relying on male characters to achieve their goals, perpetuating a gender dynamic that could have potentially negative consequences for young female audiences exposed to these films during their formative years (Ji).

Bell, Haas, and Sells note, "If Disney corpus can be seen as peddling a pedagogy of innocence, perhaps one of the most telling lessons it sells us is that of gender ---of bodies, sexuality. and desire" (Bell et al. 155-156). Disney princess films, including Beauty and the Beast, exemplify entrenched gender stereotypes through characters adhering to traditional roles. Despite targeting a female audience, Disney maintains a male-centric character-creation approach. Male interests, power, and leadership overshadow female counterparts, resulting in female characters deferring to male guidance and relying on them for rescue and salvation.

Corsaro refers to the term childhood symbolic culture to explain the various representations or expressive symbols of children's beliefs, concerns, and values. Three primary sources of childhood symbolic culture are children's media (e.g., cartoons and films), children's literature (e.g., fairy tales), and mythical figures (e.g., Santa Clause). Simply put, children often make use of popular stories, myths, and fairy tales to make sense of themselves and their surroundings (Corsaro). Examining the broader scope, Disney films consistently center on significant themes: marriage/love as the ultimate goal for heroines; equating beauty with femininity; constraining females at puberty; suppressing women's voices; depicting females succeeding or being rescued solely by men's aid. Hence, ‘the Disney heroine survives to find happiness thanks solely to the heroism and sacrifice of male characters and without experiencing personal growth or self-empowerment (O'Brien).

Snow White, Ariel, and Cinderella epitomize this trend. Snow White's wish is for her true love to find her, Ariel forsakes her voice and independence to win Prince Eric, and Cinderella is granted a mere few hours to enchant the prince before her return to her humble life. In Disney's depiction of Cinderella, her contrast with her stepsisters emphasizes beauty, charm, and homemaking as marriage prerequisites. Snow White and Sleeping Beauty confront grim outcomes while their male counterparts seek freedom. These constraints reflect emerging female sexuality and rivalry fears. Likely preserving purity or appeasing male concerns, control emerges during crucial life stages. In The Little Mermaid, Ariel gives up her voice for a man's love, and Belle in Beauty and the Beast sacrifices her freedom for castle life. This pattern of silencing heroines mirrors the historical suppression of women's voices in fairy tales. Male characters save princesses—Cinderella's companions orchestrate her rescue, and Ariel's friends defeat the sea witch for her prince.

Downey argues Disney fairy tales ideologically saturate their audiences with "archetypal myths...symbols...[and] values derived from a distinctly American cultural context" (Downey 187). Because the context historically is rooted in patriarchy, Disney tales can be interpreted as reaffirming the status quo, and depicting the feminine as a "paradigm of powerlessness" (Downey 185). Researchers like O'Brien claim the female characters in Cinderella and The Little Mermaid represent a continuation of the practice of creating characters that enact female oppression and embrace patriarchal values (O'Brien).

Conclusion

This paper explores the interplay between Indian folklore and Disney films, uncovering persistent gender biases across cultures. These mediums uphold traditional norms, limiting female characters' agency. Religious texts, mythologies, and animations highlight the challenge of misrepresentation and restricted roles for women. Ancient narratives shape modern gender perceptions, perpetuating discrimination.

Media, notably animation, holds transformative power. While Disney addresses objectification, subtler biases remain. Recent films like Frozen and Moana depict women navigating societal expectations while caring for others. The research stresses media literacy and responsible storytelling, urging stereotype-challenging dialogues. Moving from tradition to animation should prioritize equity, sidestepping regressive norms. In today's media-driven world, storytellers, educators, parents, and society must shape narratives. The study calls for bias-dismantling storytelling, fostering empowerment regardless of tradition. The aim is a future where ancient heritage and modern animation join to create a fairer global landscape.

Works Cited:

Valmiki Ramayana, https://www.valmikiramayan.net/. Accessed 6 August 2023.

Arnold, Edwin. Indian Idylls - from the Sanskrit of the Mahabharata. Read Books, 2010.

Bell, Elizabeth, et al., editors. From Mouse to Mermaid: The Politics of Film, Gender, and Culture. Indiana University Press, 1995. Accessed 7 August 2023.

Branagh, Kenneth, director. Cinderella (2015 American FIlm). Walt Disney Pictures, Kinberg Genre, Allison Shearmur Productions, Beagle Pug Films, 2015.

Condon, Bill, director. Beauty and Beast. Walt Disney Pictures, Mandeville Films, 2017.

Corsaro, William A. The sociology of childhood. SAGE Publications, 2005.

De Beauvoir, Simone. The Second Sex. Translated by Constance Borde and Sheila Malovany-Chevallier, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2011.

Doniger, Wendy. On Hinduism. Aleph Book Company, 2013.

Doniger, Wendy, editor. The Rig Veda. Translated by Wendy Doniger, Penguin Publishing Group, 2005.

Downey, Sharon D. “Feminine Empowerment in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.” Women In Communication, vol. 19, no. 2, 1996, pp. 185- 212. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07491409.1996.11089812, https://doi.org/10.1080/07491409.1996.11089812.

Hand, David, et al., directors. Snow white and the Seven Dwarf. Walt Disney Productions, 1937.

Hedman, Hanna. “Hindu-goddesses as role models for women.” DiVA portal, 2007, https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:145363/FULLTEXT01.pdf. Accessed 6 August 2023.

Holmes, Peggy, director. The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. DisneyToon Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, 2008.

Jayan, Jayasree, and K. C. Sankarnarayanan. “Divine Gender Inequality: A Study of Mythological Degradation of Hindu Women in India.” SSRN, 2017, p. 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2949781.

Ji, Jiaxin. “Analysis of Gender Stereotypes in Disney Female Characters.” Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, vol. 594, 2021.

Lund, Lori K., et al. “Images of Couples and Families in Disney Feature-Length Animated Films.” The American Journal of Family Therapy, vol. 31, no. 5, 2003, https://doi.org/10.1080/01926180390223987.

O'Brien, Pamela Colby. The Happiest Films on Earth: A Textual and Contextual Analysis of how and why Walt Disney Altered the Fairy Tales and Legends of Snow White, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Pocahontas. Indiana University, 2003.

Vālmīki. Valmiki's Ramayana. Translated by Arshia Sattar, HarperCollins Publishers India, 2019.