The Evolution of the Barbie
For my research paper, I decided to look into the debate as to whether the doll reinforces gender stereotypes or motivates young girls to become independent. I chose this topic because I have had a lot of experience with Barbie. Being a babysitter for many years, I have spent countless hours playing with Barbie, pushing around her car and re-arranging furniture in the Dreamhouse. I knew about the controversy around Barbie, and thought it would be interesting to find out more about it.
A lot of my research was looking at how the doll’s appearance has changed over time. Barbie has always been a controversial toy, especially among women. Some wonder whether this so-called perfect doll is a good influence on young girls. Women’s rights as well as their gender roles have changed a lot since the introduction of Barbie in 1959. Some say that Barbie has changed along with the time, supporting the change that is happening within the women’s movement. Others say that it is holding women back, re-enforcing old stereotypes to young girls, therefore giving them a negative role model. To figure out which side I agreed with, I had to compare Barbies from each decade to the changing gender stereotypes within each decade.
For example, when Barbie was introduced in 1959 there were two choices. They could either get a blonde or brunette Barbie. The Barbie came in a swimsuit- to encourage girls to buy clothes for their Barbie. She has arched eyebrows, glassy eyes, a button nose, large hoop earrings, perfect eyeliner and eye shadow, as well as bright red lipstick. The clothes made for these Barbie were often long dresses or skirts and hats. In order to complete my analysis, I then had to look at what the gender roles/ stereotypes were at the time. In the 1950s and 1960s, women were homemakers, and the men were the breadwinners. Women would cook, clean, and raise children while their husbands would go to work. They were expected to look nice while they were completing household chores. Barbie exemplified this, with her perfect make-up, hair, and clothes.
As to whether Barbie continues to re-enforce old stereotypes today, I needed to look at current Barbies. On a trip to Wal-mart I noticed that all of the Barbies are fairy-tale, superstar, or movie-themed. If they weren’t that, they were ‘fashion dolls’. I wondered if this was supporting our current gender roles. Now, we aren’t all fashion designers, and not all women love fashion. Stereotypes today are much different then they once were. Women are in the workforce, and there are single mothers. Before, I had never thought about analyzing Barbie at all, I thought it was silly to critique a children's toy. Barbie may just be a playtoy, but it can impose unrealistic expectations on girls. This ideal girl hinders their vision of success, still showing that success is based on good looks and fashion choices.
A lot of my research was looking at how the doll’s appearance has changed over time. Barbie has always been a controversial toy, especially among women. Some wonder whether this so-called perfect doll is a good influence on young girls. Women’s rights as well as their gender roles have changed a lot since the introduction of Barbie in 1959. Some say that Barbie has changed along with the time, supporting the change that is happening within the women’s movement. Others say that it is holding women back, re-enforcing old stereotypes to young girls, therefore giving them a negative role model. To figure out which side I agreed with, I had to compare Barbies from each decade to the changing gender stereotypes within each decade.
For example, when Barbie was introduced in 1959 there were two choices. They could either get a blonde or brunette Barbie. The Barbie came in a swimsuit- to encourage girls to buy clothes for their Barbie. She has arched eyebrows, glassy eyes, a button nose, large hoop earrings, perfect eyeliner and eye shadow, as well as bright red lipstick. The clothes made for these Barbie were often long dresses or skirts and hats. In order to complete my analysis, I then had to look at what the gender roles/ stereotypes were at the time. In the 1950s and 1960s, women were homemakers, and the men were the breadwinners. Women would cook, clean, and raise children while their husbands would go to work. They were expected to look nice while they were completing household chores. Barbie exemplified this, with her perfect make-up, hair, and clothes.
As to whether Barbie continues to re-enforce old stereotypes today, I needed to look at current Barbies. On a trip to Wal-mart I noticed that all of the Barbies are fairy-tale, superstar, or movie-themed. If they weren’t that, they were ‘fashion dolls’. I wondered if this was supporting our current gender roles. Now, we aren’t all fashion designers, and not all women love fashion. Stereotypes today are much different then they once were. Women are in the workforce, and there are single mothers. Before, I had never thought about analyzing Barbie at all, I thought it was silly to critique a children's toy. Barbie may just be a playtoy, but it can impose unrealistic expectations on girls. This ideal girl hinders their vision of success, still showing that success is based on good looks and fashion choices.