Middle East Journal of Communication Studies
DOI
10.71220/2790-5616.1104
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the dimensions of Ecophilia in the film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and examine the extent to which children perceive these dimensions of love for nature and the environment. The study focused specifically on Biophilia (love of living beings) and Topophilia (love of a particular place or environment) from the perspective of ecocriticism, employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates ecology, environmental animation, cinema, media studies, and environmental education.
The research was conducted on a sample of 100 boys and girls aged between 6 and 12 years, as children within this age group possess the cognitive ability to comprehend symbolic meanings and relate fictional content to lived reality.
Two primary tools were employed for data collection. The first was a content analysis form designed to examine the dimensions of Ecophilia in the film in terms of both form and content. The formal aspects included colors, music, and camera angles that emphasize the aesthetics of nature, while the thematic aspects focused on emotional attachment, cooperation among living creatures, and the portrayal of nature as a refuge. The second tool was a questionnaire administered to the children to measure their level of exposure to animated films and the extent to which such exposure influenced their affection for living beings and their attachment to places and environments.
The content analysis results indicated that the Biophilia dimension ranked first, accounting for 31.03%, while the Topophilia dimension represented the second pillar in the film analysis at 20.68%.
The findings revealed that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs conveys profound ecological concepts that go beyond mere entertainment. The results demonstrated that children perceive nature as an active and influential character within the narrative, which in turn strengthens their appreciation and love for nature.
These findings align with Bandura's social learning theory, supporting the role of observational learning and imitation in shaping children's Behaviour.
The study therefore recommended adopting ecocriticism as an educational and media-oriented approach for fostering sustainability values, reinforcing innate and nurturing environmental ethics in animated films, and integrating dimensions of Ecophilia into the narratives of animated cinema.
Recommended Citation
Abdelaal, Reham Refaat Mohammad Prof
(2026)
"Beyond the Screen: Dimensions of Ecophilia in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Children’s Awareness of Them,"
Middle East Journal of Communication Studies: Vol. 6:
No.
2, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71220/2790-5616.1104
Available at:
https://mejcs.meu.edu.jo/home/vol6/iss2/2
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