Barbie's Multiple Identities: A Feminist-Conservative Mix

A year after the release of Greta Gerwig's blockbuster film, which became Warner Studios' highest-grossing production, a new exhibition in London is reevaluating Barbie's connection to feminism. Curator Danielle Thom highlights the complexities of Barbie's narrative, noting that while the doll has always embodied elements of independence—such as having a career and owning a home—she was also created as an object of desire. This duality raises questions about the authenticity of her feminist representation. Historically, Barbie has evolved in response to societal changes. In 1962, she was given the ability to purchase her first Dreamhouse, a significant milestone considering that real women at the time faced legal barriers to home ownership. The introduction of various iterations of Barbie, including a Builder in 2017 and a feminist militant version made from recycled materials, reflects an ongoing adaptation to contemporary social movements, such as MeToo. Recently, the brand has also launched a blind Barbie and a Black doll with Down syndrome, further diversifying its offerings. However, the exhibition suggests that these changes may stem more from capitalist motivations than genuine political conviction. Thom argues that Barbie represents a liberal interpretation of feminism rather than a radical one, emphasizing the need to view her relevance through a corporate lens. The exhibition invites visitors to consider the implications of Barbie's lifestyle, which often features extravagant homes devoid of traditional domestic spaces, challenging the notion of her as a fully realized feminist icon.