{"id":70130,"date":"2023-10-05T00:30:35","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T04:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.edu\/?p=70130"},"modified":"2023-10-05T00:30:35","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T04:30:35","slug":"yes-the-original-barbie-is-a-stereotype-but-children-also-create-their-own-barbie-worlds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.edu\/yes-the-original-barbie-is-a-stereotype-but-children-also-create-their-own-barbie-worlds\/","title":{"rendered":"Yes, the original Barbie is a stereotype \u2014 but children also create their own \u2018Barbie worlds\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

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With the blockbuster\u00a0success of the Barbie<\/em> movie<\/a>\u00a0and the related\u00a0expansion of Barbie branding and merchandising<\/a>, educators and parents may find themselves wondering about Barbie\u2019s original purpose: as a child\u2019s toy.<\/p>\n

Barbie has become an icon since her\u00a0introduction in 1959<\/a>. On the positive side, dolls like Barbie can serve as a\u00a0canvas for imaginative storytelling and role-playing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Children often create elaborate scenarios, dialogues and relationships among their dolls, and they refer to the thoughts, emotions and desires of themselves and others while playing,\u00a0supporting language and emotional development<\/a>. Dolls often act as catalysts for children to explore different roles (or careers) and social scenarios, potentially encouraging aspirations and broadening horizons.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Barbie play can\u00a0promote fine motor skills<\/a>\u00a0as children dress and accessorize the dolls. Dolls can also facilitate\u00a0social interaction when shared<\/a>\u00a0with peers or caregivers.<\/p>\n

However, there is a potential downside. Barbie dolls come with predefined appearances and characteristics, which can\u00a0limit the range of narratives a child may explore<\/a>. There is also marketing of\u00a0an entire \u201cBarbie world\u201d of branded objects<\/a>, which many parents may choose not to invest in for financial or environmental reasons.<\/p>\n

In the face of consumer pressures, while also being mindful of educational aspects of play, parents or caregivers can consider integrating open-ended everyday objects and versatile toys into children\u2019s play with Barbie or other commercially successful toys.<\/p>\n

This is a rewarding approach that promotes growth, creative thinking, adaptability and a sense of wonder.<\/p>\n

Addressing stereotypes<\/strong><\/h4>\n

While Mattel, the maker of Barbie,\u00a0today features Barbies featuring multiple skin tones, hairstyles and body types<\/a>, the original Barbie may reinforce certain stereotypes, particularly related to whiteness and gender roles. And while the Barbie brand has evolved, many unfortunate decisions were made historically.<\/p>\n

For example, in 2014 Mattel apologized after readers complained about a book where Barbie as a computer engineer\u00a0waited for males to save the day from computer difficulties<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mattel\u2019s release of Teen Talk Barbie in 1992 sparked controversy due to a particular phrase:\u00a0\u201cMath class is tough!\u201d<\/a>\u00a0The phrase perpetuates the stereotype that struggling with math is expected or even normal.<\/p>\n

The doll inadvertently contributed to a culture that\u00a0discourages girls from pursuing mathematics and other STEM fields<\/a>, reinforced gender biases and\u00a0perpetuated misconceptions<\/a>\u00a0that can have far-reaching consequences on children\u2019s educational choices and career aspirations.<\/p>\n

When children play with dolls and toys, they are not just having fun, but also absorbing messages and attitudes from their playthings.<\/p>\n

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Beyond Barbie dolls, a whole range of Barbie merchandise exists. Barbie-themed items at Bloomingdale\u2019s, in New York, on July 20, 2023. (AP Photo\/Richard Drew)<\/p><\/div>\n

Influence on gendered outcomes<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Researchers name play\u00a0in early childhood as one of the powerful early influences on later gendered outcomes<\/a>. The choice of toys and play materials can contribute to how adults reinforce gendered patterns and habits, encouraging boys and girls to develop different interests and skills.<\/p>\n

For example, psychology researchers\u00a0Emily F. Coyle and Lynn Liben<\/a>\u00a0explored the impact of gendered toy packaging in five-year-old children\u2019s STEM play with their mothers. Mothers and their child (31 daughters; 30 sons) were randomly assigned to play with a mechanical toy packaged for girls (GoldieBlox) or boys (BobbyBlox).<\/p>\n

They discovered children\u2019s independent play varied with game packaging. When preparing for the play, mothers who were provided BobbyBlox built more toy pieces than those given the GoldieBlox.<\/p>\n

Also, mothers built more with their sons, whereas they focused more on reading the toy\u2019s instructions with their daughters. Further exploration of young children\u2019s early STEM play patterns may effectively influence later outcomes.<\/p>\n

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Children may work out a range of imaginitive stories and scenes with Barbie and Barbie-like dolls. (\u0421\u0430\u0448\u0430 \u041a\u0440\u0443\u0433\u043b\u0430\u044f)<\/p><\/div>\n

Creative fusion in play<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Encouraging children to modify and personalize their play experience in a variety of ways can mitigate some of the stereotypical\u00a0gender-specific effects of Barbie-like dolls<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Repurposing common materials to craft intricate settings and props, children are empowered to envision boundless scenarios. Creative fusion allows children to transform ordinary items into extraordinary elements within Barbie\u2019s world. For example:<\/p>\n