Ever since she exploded on to the toy scene, Barbie, based on a risque doll for men, has inspired adoration and unease. Her glamorous lifestyle, endless wardrobe, dream home and accessory of a boyfriend, Ken, delighted generations of children. But for many critics this oddly sexualised doll with the bouffant blonde hair and unrealistic body shape was a way of selling little girls a damaging ideal of womanhood.
The toy brand Mattel responded to criticisms by making more Barbies who were scientists, teachers, even politicians, and who were no longer only white or able-bodied. Barbie versions of impressive real-life women, too – from vaccine creators to DJs – have been endlessly rolled out.
The Guardian’s film editor, Catherine Shoard, tells Hannah Moore how a new film about the controversial doll has created a global storm of interest. The V&A curator Kristian Volsing explains how Barbie has evolved over the decades – and why despite all the criticism she is once more being embraced.
Photograph: Landmark Media/Alamy
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