The Impact of Barbie as a Mirror of Society, and Symbols and Representations in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie

Abstract

Throughout this thesis, the main point is to highlight that Barbie is not a plastic doll, but a multifaceted symbol that reflects the aspirations, anxieties, and contradictions of contemporary societies. I analyze the ways in which Barbie has both reflected and shaped cultural and social values, emphasizing her role in different aspects of life, such as in children’s life, consumer society, body positivity, and the feminist movement, as well as how she is depicted in the 2023 movie of Greta Gerwig, Barbie. I aim to demonstrate how Barbie’s cultural importance provides profound insights into ongoing discussions on representation, empowerment, and societal progress in the Western context by examining its influence on children’s imaginary world, consumer society and culture, gender roles, feminism, body image, media, entertainment, and education.