Princess impact: Diversity, equity, and inclusion as a pillar of sustainability in the global entertainment industry : A case study of the Walt Disney Company

Galambos, Judit Zsuzsanna and Horváth, Vanda (2026) Princess impact: Diversity, equity, and inclusion as a pillar of sustainability in the global entertainment industry : A case study of the Walt Disney Company. In: ESG - RISK MANAGEMENT OR NEW SUSTAINABILITY? Budapesti Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem (BGE), Budapest, pp. 47-56. ISBN 978-615-6886-27-9

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Abstract

Social aspects of sustainability are crucial in the 21st century, which is a time characterised by multiple challenges and crises. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as values and strategic areas are integrated into sustainability frameworks of global enterprises since the early 2000s. The entertainment industry has shown remarkable growth over the past few decades and, therefore, plays a unique role in shaping the global mindset on sustainability issues. The study introduces a review of the academic literature on sustainability-related issues within the field, as well as patterns of Corporate Social Responsibility in the sector, especially concerning Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 10, which deal with gender equality and reducing inequality. To demonstrate the entertainment industry’s impact and power, we have chosen the case study of the leading entertainment provider, The Walt Disney Corporation. Our research question tries to uncover whether Disney’s ‘inclusive storytelling’ represents symbolic gestures or significant systemic change, especially regarding the princess franchise. We demonstrate through the analysis of how the princess characters evolved from passive, Eurocentric role model to protagonists to become autonomous and culturally diverse. We also interpret the practices and difficulties of Disney in converting narrative diversity into company policies and actions. The study concludes that storytelling can be a tool for forming social norms, especially among young children, and the paper draws attention to the challenges of sustainability in the world of children’s cinema, cartoons and entertainment experiences, and finds a balance between narratives on the screen and responsible company policies.

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