In an experiment almost 10 years ago, a researcher from Oregon State University (OSU) found that girls who play with Barbie dolls see fewer career options for them than boys.
"Playing with Barbie has an effect on girls' ideas about their place in the world. It creates a limit on the sense of what's possible for their future. While it's not a massive effect, it is a measurable and statistically significant effect," Aurora M. Sherman, an associate professor in the School of Psychological Science at OSU said.
Because toys such as dolls or action figures have been proven to influence a child's idea of what they could be in the future, we hope it's a positive one. Thus, Mattel has been making use of the Barbie dolls to inspire girls to have an interest in STEM careers.
Barbie for International Women's Month 2023
“Barbie is dedicated to showcasing women who are role models from all backgrounds, professions, and nationalities so that girls around the world can see themselves in careers that might not always seem as accessible,” Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls said in a statement.
That's why this year, in celebration of International Women's Day, Mattel launched seven one-of-a-kind role model Barbie dolls of women leaders in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or STEM from all over the world.
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Every year, Barbie makes it a part of its campaign to inspire young girls to dream big and widen their options when it comes to choosing a career. In 2018, Barbie unveiled 18 dolls featuring incredible women in history as part of its Inspiring Women collection. In 2020, Barbie added Florence Nightingale has been added to the list along with two others.
- Susan Wojcicki (United States): Longtime YouTube CEO
- Anne Wojcicki (United States): Co-Founder and CEO of 23andME
- Janet Wojcicki (United States): Professor of Pediatrics and Epidemiology at the University of California, San Francisco
- Katya Echazarreta (Mexico): Electrical Engineer and Science Show Host
- Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock (United Kingdom): Space Scientist and Science Educator
- Prof. Dr Antje Boetius (DE): Marine Researcher and Microbiologist
- Yinuo Li (China): Co-Founder of ETU Education
Longtime YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, who is part of the role models series, said, she didn't imagine she would have a career in tech growing up. “My sisters and I found jobs we love and discovered how creative and fulfilling careers in STEM can be for women.
She added, "I spent nearly 25 years working at Google and nine years as the CEO of YouTube, and it was an incredible experience. I hope Barbie’s International Women’s Day celebration will remind girls around the world that they can do anything.”
This story originally appeared on Smartparenting.com.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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