Home / Arts and Entertainment / Barbie: 67 Years of Careers and Culture
Barbie: 67 Years of Careers and Culture
12 Jun
Summary
- Barbie has held over 250 diverse jobs in 67 years.
- An exhibition explores Barbie's cultural and design impact.
- The doll's evolution reflects modern inclusivity and aspirations.
Barbara Millicent Roberts, known globally as Barbie, has embodied over 250 distinct professions in her 67-year existence. Her enduring influence on culture and design is now the subject of Scotland's inaugural exhibition dedicated to the 29cm plastic icon.
Opening at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, the exhibition, curated by Danielle Thom, delves into Barbie's profound impact on 20th and 21st-century pop culture. The display features an original 1959 doll, illustrating Ruth Handler's vision of Barbie as more than a collectible, but as a tool for childhood development.
The exhibition traces Barbie's transformation to reflect a diverse audience, with modern iterations including various skin tones, hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, and wheelchairs. This evolution underscores a commitment to inclusivity, notably with a model created in partnership with the US National Down Syndrome Society.
Fashion and aspirational living spaces have always been central to Barbie's appeal. The exhibit showcases her evolving 'Dream Houses,' starting with a 1962 bachelorette apartment symbolizing female independence and later designs reminiscent of architectural styles.
Barbie has consistently championed career aspirations for girls since the late 1950s, with early board games and dolls like Astronaut Barbie predating significant historical events. This progressive, though not radical, approach to careers has opened horizons for young women.
The recent blockbuster film has reignited global interest, extending Barbie's appeal beyond her traditional audience. The exhibition is expected to draw a wide range of visitors in Scotland, from those reminiscing about childhood play to enthusiasts of design, fashion, and 20th-century history.
Barbie's sustained success, now approaching her eighth decade, is attributed to Mattel's ability to align the doll with contemporary trends. Her enduring presence suggests a continued place for Barbie in doll play, recognized as vital for children of all genders.
