The change suggests a wider cultural acceptance of the 鈥渟inister鈥� hand preference, and offers representation for lefty fans of the beloved animated films.

The findings, 鈥淧rincess hands: Handedness of protagonists versus antagonists in Disney鈥檚 鈥楶rincess鈥� animated movies,鈥� were recently published in the academic journal .

Main findings

• Before about 1992, princesses were more right-handed than villains. Over time, princesses got more left-handed, while villains鈥� handedness stayed the same.
• In general, the characters were less strongly handed than in real life 鈥� most would be considered ambidextrous by the researchers鈥� definitions.
• Tiana (鈥淭he Princess and the Frog鈥�) and Belle (鈥淏eauty and the Beast鈥�), both princesses, are the most left-handed; Villains Jafar (鈥淎laddin鈥�), Dr. Facilier (鈥淭he Princess and the Frog鈥�) and Namaari (鈥淩aya and the Last Dragon鈥�) were also left-handed.
• Mor鈥橠u (鈥淏rave鈥�) and Maleficent (鈥淪leeping Beauty鈥�) 鈥� both villains 鈥� were identified strongly right-handed.

More about the study

The research team, which included two undergraduate students at 麻豆传媒在线, examined hand use of princesses and villains in 13 official Disney Princess movies. They counted how many times each princess or villain performed various activities with one hand or the other, using three different handedness questionnaires including the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI).

鈥淥ur goal was to see if villains were more left-handed than princesses because culturally, evil is associated with the left-handed, and whether any left-evil associations had changed over time, given changes in culture,鈥� says Ruth Propper, lead researcher and professor of Psychology.

Each Disney princess and villain was assigned a handedness score (-100 being perfectly lefty and +100 perfectly righty) and the results show that over time, princesses have become less right-handed, especially after about 1992, while villains have remained stable in their handedness.

Overall, the characters were much less right-handed than the human population.

What the researchers say

Prior to 1992, Propper explains, princesses were more right-handed than villains, while after 1992 princesses became more left-handed than villains.

So, what changed?

鈥淲e suspect that there are many factors at play here.鈥� Propper says. 鈥淥ne possibility is that around the early 1990s the 鈥楴ine Old Men,鈥� the animators responsible for most Disney movies from the 1930s to the 1990s, retired.

鈥淚t鈥檚 possible that the new animators who were hired had less bias against left-handedness, as cultural views about lefties had changed. Certainly there are likely pragmatic reasons as well, and we don鈥檛 know the actual handedness of the animators, which could also have been a factor.鈥�

Why it matters

The research and methodology were inspired by existing research Propper encountered analyzing early 1900s documentary footage to estimate rates of left-handedness at that time. Propper and her research team took the innovative approach a step further, utilizing Disney princess films that offer clear distinctions between protagonists and antagonists and allow for meaningful comparisons across character types.

Additionally, 鈥渂ecause the characters are animated, handedness is a deliberate choice made by animators, which may reflect cultural assumptions or biases, rather than simply the natural handedness of an actor,鈥� Propper says. Since the Disney princess films span roughly 80 years, this also gave researchers an opportunity to examine potential cultural shifts over time.

Propper says this study demonstrates that research does not always need to be complex or highly technical. And, it speaks to representation.

鈥淟eft-handed individuals have often been described as lacking a clear cultural identity and may feel overlooked or negatively stereotyped,鈥� says Propper. 鈥淪eeing left-handed traits reflected in familiar and beloved figures, such as Disney princesses, can contribute to a sense of inclusion and reduce feelings of isolation.鈥�

The findings also suggest a societal shift over the last 80 years: left-handedness appears to be more accepted today than in the past, and is no longer associated with the same negative or stigmatized beliefs as it once was.

鈥淭hese films are culturally iconic, widely recognized, and meaningful to many audiences, which makes them a relevant context for this type of analysis,鈥� Propper says.

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The showcase features 13 presentations spanning the humanities, social sciences, communication, education and business. Projects examine issues such as equity and inclusion, economic inequality, human trafficking, and community well-being, alongside interdisciplinary work in media, culture, and religion. Presentations also highlight collaborations that use data analysis, advocacy, and community engagement to better understand and respond to complex social challenges.

Each project highlights how interdisciplinary collaboration fosters new insights, community partnerships, and real-world impact. From community-engaged research to program design and creative pedagogy, the presentations demonstrate how scholars and students expand the boundaries of traditional disciplines to address complex challenges.

The Interdisciplinary Showcase invites colleagues from across the university to explore ideas, connect with peers, and spark new collaborations that advance 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 mission of inclusive innovation.

The showcase features 13 presentations spanning the humanities, social sciences, education, business, and STEM. Projects include accessible audio description for Spanish-speaking audiences, digital mapping of climate justice, narrative medicine collaborations, sustainability internships, multilingual literacy initiatives, and Indigenous-centered approaches to education and justice.

Each project highlights how interdisciplinary collaboration fosters new insights, community partnerships, and real-world impact. From community-engaged research to program design and creative pedagogy, the presentations demonstrate how scholars and students are expanding the boundaries of traditional disciplines to address complex challenges.

The Interdisciplinary Showcase invites colleagues from across the university to explore ideas, connect with peers, and spark new collaborations that advance 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 mission of inclusive innovation.

Light refreshments will be served.

The project is an excellent match between faculty expertise and the needs of the state: ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of children and families across New Jersey.

鈥淲e鈥檙e honored to be trusted with this work,鈥� said Zeitlin. 鈥淲e see this not just as a two-year project, but the beginning of a long-term collaboration to improve the lives of children and families across New Jersey.鈥�

Supporting a Historic Transition in NJ Child Welfare Oversight

In 2006, New Jersey鈥檚 child welfare system came under federal oversight following widespread concerns about its performance. Over the next several years, the state made sweeping changes and improvements under the guidance of a federal monitor. When federal oversight ended, stakeholders created a legislative plan to maintain and build on those gains.

In 2022, state legislation charged the Staffing and Oversight Review Subcommittee (SORS) with producing annual performance reports on the child welfare system鈥檚 effectiveness in key areas 鈥� a responsibility now supported by 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 expert faculty.

鈥淚 am very proud of our faculty,鈥� said CHSS Dean Fatma Mili. 鈥淭hey are investing their research expertise on some of the most important issues, the welfare of the most vulnerable members of our society. Their work has long lasting lessons and an immediate impact on our society. Professors Zeitlin, Douglas, and Shpiegel are a great example of how a public university can serve the public good.鈥�

Faculty Expertise, National Context

Drawing on deep knowledge of national child welfare trends and access to federal data sets, 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 team will contextualize New Jersey鈥檚 progress within a broader national landscape. Their work will include replicating and refining previous analyses, enhancing data storytelling, and helping SORS produce reports that are not only technically rigorous but also accessible and meaningful to stakeholders across the system.

鈥淭his work is not just about data 鈥� it鈥檚 about making sure the data tells the story of what is happening right now, and what is needed to best support children and families who come in contact with the child welfare system,鈥� says Shpiegel.

In year two, the project will expand to incorporate additional indicators and responsibilities outlined in state legislation, with the goal of building a long-term evaluation structure that supports ongoing system improvement.

A Transformative Opportunity for Students and the State

The project also creates rare hands-on opportunities for 麻豆传媒在线 students, who will gain exposure to the policy, evaluation, and systems-level challenges facing New Jersey鈥檚 child welfare agencies.

鈥淲orking directly with faculty on this project, our students will learn how research and evaluation can serve communities and drive real-world change,鈥� says Douglas.

Dr. Besen-Cassino tells Newsweek that technology like zoom and email are such an accessible way to work that it makes employees feel they must contribute, even on days off. Additionally,聽 employees often utilize their paid time off for childcare due to a lack of affordable options. 鈥淭herefore many workers are not recharging on these days, but rather performing caregiving,鈥� she says.

A change in mentality is clearly needed. Dr. Besen-Cassino told Newsweek. “It’s important to create a culture where taking a vacation is normalized and encouraged so that workers can fully recharge. Shifting workplace culture can ensure workers can take vacations and are healthier and more productive in the long run.”

One company making a shift is Bolt. Under the leadership of CEO Ryan Breslow, a change from Unlimited Paid Time Off to a mandated four weeks of paid vacation time ensures that employees are taking time to rest while not having to worry about changes. “Just shifting the structure alone is not enough: the culture in the workplace shapes how we apply rules and regulations,” Dr. Besen-Cassino tells MSN.

Written by Vivvy Gundani

Juveniles facing life enter prison at young ages. Years later upon release, they reconnect with the family who last saw them as kids. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e sort of treated as children as opposed to grown men and that can lead to some disconnect. It can lead to frustration,鈥� said Dr. Daftary-Kapur.

In some corrections systems, education and rehabilitation aren’t priorities for people serving life sentences, said Dr. Daftary-Kapur. Lack of access to these supportive programs makes adjusting to regular life more difficult.

Written by Vivvy Gundani

“Solitary or room confinement for children, and even adults, for long, sustained periods of time can lead to depression, it can lead to anxiety,” says Daftary-Kapur.聽 She explains that young people are at a heightened risk for these mental health issues due to their developmental vulnerability.

Written by Vivvy Gundani

Professor Kang gave a keynote for Women in Science at the KSEA Northeast Regional Conference, giving a presentation on 鈥淏ridging Science and Community: A Korean-American Scholar’s Vision for Innovation and Impact in Neurodiversity Research鈥�.

Written by: Vivek Gundani

Memory across Time and Disciplines is an interdisciplinary conference that brings together researchers from the sciences, humanities, and technology to explore the diverse ways memory is formed, stored, forgotten, and recovered. By bringing together scientists, historians, archivists, geologists, linguists, technologists, and artists, the conference aims to uncover the deep connections between how we remember鈥攚hether through neurons, fossils, books, or bytes. This conference will not only highlight cutting-edge research but also inspire new ways of thinking about memory in a rapidly changing world.

Organizing Committee, 麻豆传媒在线
Deborah Chatr Aryamontri (Dept. of Classics & General Humanities)
Dawn Hayes (Dept. of History)
Sophia Hudzik (Dept. of Classics & General Humanities)
Joanna Madloch (Dept. of Classics & General Humanities)
Greg Pope (Dept. of Earth & Environmental Studies)
Timothy Renner (Dept. of Classics & General Humanities)
Peter Siegel (Dept. of Anthropology)

Sponsored by the Center for Heritage and Archaeological Studies and the Department of Classics and General Humanities, 麻豆传媒在线 and with a contribution of the Classical Association of the Atlantic States

The conference will be held in-person and virtually. Join the conference on campus in Schmitt Hall, Room 327, or via (passcode: 521293).

View the program schedule below.

Students working in groups during the workshop session

The talk centered on the notion of translation at large as a philosophy and practice of moving from one dimension to another, whether it’s language, culture… or family as in the case of adoptees. Indeed, both the books Prof. Fiore addressed – Jeanette Winterson’s Why Be Happy When You Could be Normal? (2011) and and Nikolai Prestia’s Dasvidania (2021) – are written by adoptees who resort to the genre of memoir to translate their experiences of loss and abandonment, as well as abuse and trauma, into stories, while translating themselves from the birth family to the adoptive one. Translators of lived experience, Winterson and Prestia, have also been published in translation. Students developed their translation of Winterson’s book and then compared them to the official publication in Italian. Prof. Fiore shared aspects of the translation of Dasvidania, which will come out in English in 2026 with Rutgers University Press in the OVOI series, as the result of a co-translation by Prof. Fiore and Daniela Chaudhary Fiore.

Students of the Translation graduate class and Professor Fiore

“I am very grateful to Prof. D’Amore for inviting me to talk about a topic that is at the center of my current research agenda (Adoption Studies Project). It was a pleasure to meet the students as part of a workshop in which they have shown refined translation skills and a well-honed awareness about the challenges of this practice. By mere coincidence, the talk was held in the same room where, in 2024, I first introduced the Dasvidania translation project in the course of the AATI (American Association of Italian Teachers) conference. This time, it was exciting to announce that the book is now in the final stages of copyediting!” – Fiore commented. And she added: “The talk was also an opportunity to appreciate once again the breathtaking site of the the University of Catania’s Department of Humanities, a World Heritage building. The is a fascinating complex functioning like a palimpsest of several historical periods, from the Roman era in the foundations to the present with contemporary additions designed to enhance the 16th century structure rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. A veritable work of architectural translation!”