Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part D (2025)

Disney’s Zootopia (2016) presents itself as a utopian allegory of diversity and inclusion, yet beneath its vibrant animation lies a sharp critique of neoliberalism’s core tenets: meritocracy, colourblind politics, and systemic inequality. This study interrogates how the film’s narrative and world-building expose the contradictions of neoliberal ideology, arguing that Zootopia simultaneously reinforces and subverts Disney’s traditional tropes to challenge the myth of a post-racial, egalitarian society. Neoliberalism as an economic and political project prioritizes individualism, free-market logic, and the erosion of collective welfare. Zootopia’s portrays a hyper-capitalist metropolis, where protagonists Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde navigate systemic barriers masked by the rhetoric of “anyone can be anything.” The film’s laissez-faire economy and emphasis on self-reliance, mirror real-world neoliberal discourses that obscure structural inequities. The movie’s predator-prey dynamic allegorizes racialized hierarchies and the limitations of colourblind ideologies. Power operates under neoliberal governance, weaponizing diversity to maintain dominance. Zootopia also subverts Disney conventions by rejecting romanticized individualism in favour of collective solidarity; critiquing neoliberalism’s failure to address intersectional oppression. Zootopia serves as both a product and a critique of neoliberal culture, urging audiences to confront the persistence of systemic bias despite illusions of progress.