The Evolution of an Icon: A Comparison of the Values and Stereotypes Reflected in the Original 1959 Barbie Doll and the Curvy 2016 Barbie Doll
Keywords
Loading...
Authors
Issue Date
2016-06-15
Language
en
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In January 2016, Mattel introduced a new Barbie doll that comes in three different body
types: petite, tall and curvy. After many years of critique on Barbie’s unrealistic body, the
introduction of the curvy Barbie is seen as a radical change by many. This thesis analyses the
original 1959 Barbie doll and the curvy 2016 Barbie doll together with one commercial from
both time periods in order to see what cultural values and stereotypes are embedded in the
dolls and whether these values and stereotypes have changed or not. The 1959 Barbie doll
reflects progressive values, such as an independent and unmarried life, but at the same time
the doll also creates a stereotypical image of women by overemphasizing the importance of
appearance and beauty. The 2016 curvy Barbie doll shares this focus on looks, but beauty as
defined by this doll is a broader concept because of the addition of different ethnical features
and body types. However, the body of the curvy Barbie differs very little from the original
Barbie and therefore the term curvy is problematic. The changes in the values and stereotypes
reflected by the Barbie doll in 1959 and 2016 show us that the Barbie doll is changing into a
more inclusive toy, but this change comes in small, not radical, steps.
Keywords: Barbie doll; gender studies; women in popular culture
Description
Citation
Supervisor
Faculty
Faculteit der Letteren