Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated Barbie movie has made its debut on the silver screen, bringing hope to the struggling cinema industry in the wake of Covid-19. Starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as her boyfriend Ken, the film pays tribute to the iconic doll created by Ruth Handler in 1959. Throughout the years, the influence of Barbie on children’s development has been a topic of debate in the toy industry. In this article, we will explore the findings of scientific studies to understand the lasting effects of playing with Barbie.
One positive study conducted in 2020 by experts from Cardiff University revealed that playing with Barbie and other dolls stimulates brain regions associated with empathy and social processing skills. The study monitored the brain activity of 33 children aged four to eight as they engaged in doll play. Even when playing alone, the children’s brain activity increased, indicating the development of social awareness and the ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings. This imaginative play with dolls encourages children to think about interpersonal relationships and interactions.
Another study from Cardiff University funded by Barbie maker Mattel found that playing with dolls like Barbie prompts children to talk about others’ thoughts and emotions. Researchers observed 33 children aged four to eight and observed increased brain activity in a region called the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), which is involved in social and emotional development. This brain region was more active during solo doll play compared to playing alone with an electronic tablet. The study suggests that doll play, even when alone, offers children opportunities to exercise theory of mind and empathy skills.
However, not all studies have shown positive effects of Barbie play. One study conducted in 2021 by Durham University’s Department of Psychology revealed that playing with Barbie can influence body image preferences in children as young as five. The study involved 31 girls aged five to nine, with half of them playing with “ultra-thin” dolls like Barbie, while the other half played with “realistic childlike” dolls. After doll play, the girls who played with the ultra-thin dolls expressed a desire for a slimmer body, while the realistic dolls had a relatively neutral effect on body ideals. This suggests that exposure to thin dolls like Barbie at a young age may contribute to body dissatisfaction and increase the risk of developing eating disorders.
Furthermore, a study from 2016 conducted by Pennsylvania State University revealed that exposure to thin dolls like Barbie can lead to body dissatisfaction in girls between the ages of six and eight. The study compared the effects of playing with thin dolls (Barbie) and full-figured dolls (Tracy) on body esteem and evaluation. Girls who played with full-figured dolls showed less body dissatisfaction compared to those who played with thin dolls. The study highlights the importance of discussing healthy body image and providing positive role models for young girls to prevent the development of eating disorders.
In addition to body image concerns, playing with Barbie dolls may also affect girls’ career aspirations. A study from Oregon State University in 2014 revealed that girls who played with Barbie dolls perceived fewer career options for themselves compared to boys. The study involved giving girls aged four to seven different dolls, including Barbie, a career-focused Barbie, and a neutral toy. After play sessions, the girls who played with Barbie believed they had fewer career options, regardless of whether the doll was dressed in a fashion outfit or a doctor’s coat. This suggests that Barbie’s influence goes beyond physical appearance and can limit girls’ perception of their own potential.
Ultimately, the decision to let your child play with Barbie is a personal choice. While Barbie play has demonstrated some positive effects, such as developing empathy and social skills, it’s crucial to consider the potential negative impacts on body image and career aspirations. As Professor Rebecca Hains suggests, alternatives to Barbie may be more suitable for young girls to ensure a positive and balanced play experience.
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