There are more comprehensive studies out there, I'm sure, but this thread on Quora about "which Disney princess best embodies feminist principles and why?" is still a pretty good start. Here's part of one [fully illustrated!] analysis of Ariel:
Obsessed with a manThe obvious answer about Disney princesses and feminism is barely touched on, though, which is that they become increasingly feminist--or really, less patriarchal fantasist--over time. There's Walt-era pre-feminism. Second wave, post-modern, Katzenberg revival-era feminist evolution. And now I'd say there's a fully realized feminist third wave, films with characters like Tiana and Rapunzel, which is basically running interference for the Disney Princess merchandising hegemony, which is overwhelmingly populated by the pre-feminist princesses.
Wears a bra despite breasts' natural buoyancy in water, thereby perpetuating the sexualization of breasts and the wider commodification of the female body
Feminism is now a character/brand attribute, and Disney is only to happy to use their robust product development platform to serve that market niche.
Which Disney Princess best embodies feminist principles, and why? [quora via @auerbach]
Although mermaids are generally depicted without upper body garments, I rather imagine Disney would trouble marketing The Little Mermaid with her not wearing the shells (not the same as a bra) -- just as they gave Pocahontas a sort of leather halter top, even though apparently women from her actual tribe went topless during that period of history.
yeah, trying and failing to see how Disney would market a topless Ariel. Maybe if she spoke French.