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Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life
Explore the fascinating link between gender stereotypes in fairy tales and real-world life with Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life. This thought-provoking book carefully analyzes 200 folktales and fairy tales from around the world, uncovering a universal disparity in how male and female characters are punished for breaking the rules. Through a blend of thorough research and literary investigation, the book sheds light on how these stereotypes affect our families, politics, and education. A powerful feminist critique of social norms, this academic yet accessible exploration shows how our most cherished tales shape our cultures.
152 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2022
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Anne E. Beall
26 books30 followersAnne E. Beall, Ph.D., is an award-winning author and social psychologist who writes about the emotional undercurrents that shape our lives. Her writing explores the psychology of relationships—between lovers, family members, friends, and pets who think they’re in charge.
She’s written eight nonfiction books, including Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After and Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules, which reveal the hidden messages inside classic fairy tales. Her work has appeared in People Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Toronto Sun, NPR, NBC, and WGN.
Anne is the founder and editor of Chicago Story Press Literary Journal, which publishes true stories that invite readers to see something in a new light. She holds a Ph.D. in social psychology from Yale—so yes, she can absolutely over analyze your childhood.
She lives in Chicago, where she writes, edits, walks a lot, and tries to convince other people that winter isn’t really that long in the Midwest.
She’s written eight nonfiction books, including Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After and Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules, which reveal the hidden messages inside classic fairy tales. Her work has appeared in People Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, Toronto Sun, NPR, NBC, and WGN.
Anne is the founder and editor of Chicago Story Press Literary Journal, which publishes true stories that invite readers to see something in a new light. She holds a Ph.D. in social psychology from Yale—so yes, she can absolutely over analyze your childhood.
She lives in Chicago, where she writes, edits, walks a lot, and tries to convince other people that winter isn’t really that long in the Midwest.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 18, 2023
I thought Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules a better book than Cinderella Didn't Live Happily Ever After. Both, however, serve a purpose and, I think, contribute to the larger body of research on fairy tales. Ultimately, I think this book shines in many of the same ways and suffers from many of the same faults as the previous one.
Like that previous book, I think this one best suited to young researchers. Beall, for example, takes the time to include a footnote explaining what statistical significance is the first time the term is used. It will be imminently engageable for younger learners and a great entry point to social science. And also similar to the first book, I think the findings are exactly what would be anecdotally expected. That men get away with a lot more than women do, across the board, throughout time and geography, even in our fairy tales, should surprise no one. And like with Beall’s early work, I find that having all the methodology and tables at the back makes them too easy to ignore, leaving the book less than 100 pages (which a younger researcher might very much appreciate, less intimidating).
All in all, however, I really hope this finds its way into school libraries around the country.
Like that previous book, I think this one best suited to young researchers. Beall, for example, takes the time to include a footnote explaining what statistical significance is the first time the term is used. It will be imminently engageable for younger learners and a great entry point to social science. And also similar to the first book, I think the findings are exactly what would be anecdotally expected. That men get away with a lot more than women do, across the board, throughout time and geography, even in our fairy tales, should surprise no one. And like with Beall’s early work, I find that having all the methodology and tables at the back makes them too easy to ignore, leaving the book less than 100 pages (which a younger researcher might very much appreciate, less intimidating).
All in all, however, I really hope this finds its way into school libraries around the country.
May 15, 2023
The subtitle of this book is “Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life” and in it Anne E. Beall, PhD. collects together a huge number of folktales and fairytales from all over the world and analyses them against a set of principles she and her team have devised.
The research is meticulous, employing data analysis and statistics to prove her theories, which she lays out in the form of an extensive amount of tables for her readers to share. Anne is a successful business leader in the field of market research and her experience shines through as she presents her findings. She compares the results she uncovers with real-world situations such as well-known teenage rape cases and the way victims/perpetrators are treated along with the language used towards each, the unequal length of prison sentences for men and women committing similar crimes, and attitudes towards Hilary Clinton/Donald Trump during the presidential candidate debates, which proved to be fascinating.
The result is a thought-provoking read, whose results are not all that surprising (and somewhat given away by the title), but go to show that our fairytales may well be sending out strong messages to children of how the different genders “ought” to behave and how differently from one another they will be punished/rewarded as a result of societal expectations.
Thank you to the author, and Lauren at iRead for providing me with a paperback copy to review and the information for this tour. My review is honest and my opinions are my own.
The research is meticulous, employing data analysis and statistics to prove her theories, which she lays out in the form of an extensive amount of tables for her readers to share. Anne is a successful business leader in the field of market research and her experience shines through as she presents her findings. She compares the results she uncovers with real-world situations such as well-known teenage rape cases and the way victims/perpetrators are treated along with the language used towards each, the unequal length of prison sentences for men and women committing similar crimes, and attitudes towards Hilary Clinton/Donald Trump during the presidential candidate debates, which proved to be fascinating.
The result is a thought-provoking read, whose results are not all that surprising (and somewhat given away by the title), but go to show that our fairytales may well be sending out strong messages to children of how the different genders “ought” to behave and how differently from one another they will be punished/rewarded as a result of societal expectations.
Thank you to the author, and Lauren at iRead for providing me with a paperback copy to review and the information for this tour. My review is honest and my opinions are my own.
May 11, 2023
In "Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules," Dr. Anne E. Beall takes readers on a captivating journey that unveils the intricate link between gender stereotypes in fairy tales and their profound impact on real-world life. With meticulous research and literary analysis, Beall dissects 200 folktales and fairy tales from various cultures, uncovering a disheartening disparity in how male and female characters are punished for breaking societal rules. This powerful feminist critique challenges our understanding of social norms and demonstrates how deeply ingrained gender biases can shape our families, politics, and education.
Fairy tales have long been regarded as reflections of societal values and tools for imparting moral lessons. However, Beall's compelling exploration exposes the contradictions that exist within these stories. She skillfully dissects the behaviors and punishments assigned to male and female characters, painting a thought-provoking picture of the gendered expectations and consequences they face. Through her thorough examination, readers are forced to confront the inherent injustices woven into the fabric of these tales.
Dr. Beall's work stands as a must-read in today's world, as it sheds light on the profound influence fairy tales hold over young minds. By delving into the toxic gender role norms perpetuated by these stories and their wider implications on societal beliefs, Beall presents a brilliant and impactful analysis. Her thoughtfully crafted arguments, supported by a wealth of statistics, examples, and analogies from tales across the globe, build a compelling case for the urgent need to challenge and reshape the narrative surrounding gender.
It is worth mentioning that the author's commitment to promoting change goes beyond the pages of this book. Proceeds from "Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules" are donated to Empowering Girls for Life (EGFL), a commendable nonprofit organization based in Lombard, IL, dedicated to empowering young girls and nurturing future female leaders. This added dimension reinforces the book's overarching message, emphasizing the importance of actively working towards gender equality.
While "Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules" is undoubtedly an enlightening and eye-opening read, it does lean towards an academic tone at times. The depth of research and analysis might be overwhelming for some readers seeking a more casual exploration of the subject matter. However, the accessible nature of Dr. Beall's writing, combined with her ability to connect theoretical concepts to real-life scenarios, ensures that the book remains engaging for a wide range of audiences.
In conclusion, "Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules" is a profoundly thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional narratives found within fairy tales and their wider impact on our society. Dr. Anne E. Beall's meticulously researched work shines a much-needed light on the disparities between genders and calls for a reevaluation of the social norms we perpetuate. This book serves as a call to action, urging readers to challenge and dismantle the gender stereotypes deeply entrenched in our collective consciousness.
Fairy tales have long been regarded as reflections of societal values and tools for imparting moral lessons. However, Beall's compelling exploration exposes the contradictions that exist within these stories. She skillfully dissects the behaviors and punishments assigned to male and female characters, painting a thought-provoking picture of the gendered expectations and consequences they face. Through her thorough examination, readers are forced to confront the inherent injustices woven into the fabric of these tales.
Dr. Beall's work stands as a must-read in today's world, as it sheds light on the profound influence fairy tales hold over young minds. By delving into the toxic gender role norms perpetuated by these stories and their wider implications on societal beliefs, Beall presents a brilliant and impactful analysis. Her thoughtfully crafted arguments, supported by a wealth of statistics, examples, and analogies from tales across the globe, build a compelling case for the urgent need to challenge and reshape the narrative surrounding gender.
It is worth mentioning that the author's commitment to promoting change goes beyond the pages of this book. Proceeds from "Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules" are donated to Empowering Girls for Life (EGFL), a commendable nonprofit organization based in Lombard, IL, dedicated to empowering young girls and nurturing future female leaders. This added dimension reinforces the book's overarching message, emphasizing the importance of actively working towards gender equality.
While "Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules" is undoubtedly an enlightening and eye-opening read, it does lean towards an academic tone at times. The depth of research and analysis might be overwhelming for some readers seeking a more casual exploration of the subject matter. However, the accessible nature of Dr. Beall's writing, combined with her ability to connect theoretical concepts to real-life scenarios, ensures that the book remains engaging for a wide range of audiences.
In conclusion, "Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules" is a profoundly thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional narratives found within fairy tales and their wider impact on our society. Dr. Anne E. Beall's meticulously researched work shines a much-needed light on the disparities between genders and calls for a reevaluation of the social norms we perpetuate. This book serves as a call to action, urging readers to challenge and dismantle the gender stereotypes deeply entrenched in our collective consciousness.
April 3, 2023
Fairy tales are a reflection of the social values of their time and often serve as vehicles for teaching moral lessons. However, a closer examination of these stories reveals that the actual behaviors and punishments do not always align with our expectations. Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules, a meticulously researched analysis by Dr. Anne E. Beall sheds light on the disparities between male and female characters in both fairy tales and real life.
Beall's study delves into the rule-breaking behavior of characters in fairy tales, comparing and contrasting the consequences and emotions conveyed. Through a comprehensive global perspective that includes stories from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, the author demonstrates how fairy tales communicate societal values that have persisted over time.
The use of statistics and real-life examples helps Beall identify gender differences in rule-breaking patterns, revealing that women are more likely to engage in psychological and physical abuse. Despite the ample data presented, the author maintains an unbiased approach throughout. Although the writing style may at times feel overly factual due to the abundance of statistics, the book remains engaging and informative. In fact, the material presented is well-suited for classroom discussions and anyone interested in understanding societal norms and behaviors.
Overall, Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life is a refreshing and illuminating read that challenges our preconceived notions of gender roles and expectations. This research into fairytales and mythology is an excellent addition to those studying the impact on literature and gender roles worldwide and through time.
Beall's study delves into the rule-breaking behavior of characters in fairy tales, comparing and contrasting the consequences and emotions conveyed. Through a comprehensive global perspective that includes stories from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, the author demonstrates how fairy tales communicate societal values that have persisted over time.
The use of statistics and real-life examples helps Beall identify gender differences in rule-breaking patterns, revealing that women are more likely to engage in psychological and physical abuse. Despite the ample data presented, the author maintains an unbiased approach throughout. Although the writing style may at times feel overly factual due to the abundance of statistics, the book remains engaging and informative. In fact, the material presented is well-suited for classroom discussions and anyone interested in understanding societal norms and behaviors.
Overall, Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life is a refreshing and illuminating read that challenges our preconceived notions of gender roles and expectations. This research into fairytales and mythology is an excellent addition to those studying the impact on literature and gender roles worldwide and through time.
May 2, 2023
A carefully thought-out and thought-provoking analysis, this work by Beall is an absolute must-read for today's world! Keeping in mind how important fairy tales are in shaping up young minds, inculcating toxic gender role norms in children, and moulding societal thoughts on gender-based moral lessons, Beall weaves a brilliant work where she brainstorms and talks about how rules, protocol, and punishments differ based on genders. Once she sheds light on this, it's appalling to notice how gender stereotypes have been a bane on humans from time immemorial - from imaginary fairy tales to present-day living conditions. I loved how Beall uses statistics, and well-planned examples and analogies from stories all around the world to present her case. My thanks to Beall, and Lauren of iRead BT for gifting me with a copy of this book.
June 2, 2024
Insightful
The book "Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life" provides a compelling analysis of 200 global folktales, exposing the stark gender disparities in rule enforcement and punishment. This insightful and well-researched book not only critiques societal norms but also elucidates the impact of these enduring stereotypes on our families, politics, and education. All proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to support the empowerment of future female leaders through EGFL.
The book "Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life" provides a compelling analysis of 200 global folktales, exposing the stark gender disparities in rule enforcement and punishment. This insightful and well-researched book not only critiques societal norms but also elucidates the impact of these enduring stereotypes on our families, politics, and education. All proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to support the empowerment of future female leaders through EGFL.
May 7, 2023
Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life is another interesting book I have read by Anne E Beall. I found it to be a thought provoking book to read. The author brings out some interesting insights into gender stereotypes and gender roles of crimes and punishments within famous and even not so famous fairy tales and folk tales many of us around the world have read or known about throughout our lives. I was amazed at how the author was able to tackle so many of these tales and have the ability to be able to analyze them. I admired the research she put into this book and bring these issues into light. I liked reading it.
I give Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books about feminism and criticism of the famed fairy tales. I would be interested in reading more similar to this one from Anne E Beall in the future to see what other thought provoking books in the future. I believe this one would be worth a read.
I received a paperback copy of Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life from the publisher, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I give Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books about feminism and criticism of the famed fairy tales. I would be interested in reading more similar to this one from Anne E Beall in the future to see what other thought provoking books in the future. I believe this one would be worth a read.
I received a paperback copy of Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life from the publisher, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews