Mattel, Inc. (1994, March 14). Information release.

OVERVIEW

The Barbie doll celebrated her 35th birthday in 1994. Since her 1959 debut, the ageless Barbie has been a very busy lady. Her popularity worldwide is evident (the following facts are provided by Mattel, Inc.):

• In six years, Mattel has more than doubled volume of its 35-year-young Barbie franchise from $430 million in worldwide sales in 1987 to in excess of $1 billion in 1993.
• The typical American girl between the ages of three and ten now owns an average of eight Barbie dolls. That compares to seven in Italy. In France and Germany, the typical girl owns an average of five Barbie dolls.
• Barbie is currently sold in more than 140 countries worldwide.
• Across the world, two Barbie dolls are sold every second.
• The Barbie doll’s U.S. market share is in excess of 80 percent. Barbie holds a number one category position in virtually every major market worldwide.
• Every year approximately 90 different Barbie dolls—including friends, family members, and customized products for retailers—are created.
• The best-selling Barbie doll ever created was "Totally Hair" Barbie, first introduced in 1992. With hair from the top of her head to her toes, "Totally Hair" Barbie sold more than 10 million units and generated worldwide sales of $100 million.
• Over 900 million fashions have been produced since 1959 for Barbie and her friends.
• More than 100 million yards of fabric have gone into making Barbie’s and her friends’ fashions, making Mattel one of the largest apparel manufacturers.
• Barbie doll has had more than a billion pairs of shoes.
• Barbie doll has had a menagerie of over thirty-five pets, including 16 dogs, 10 horses, four cats, a parrot, a chimpanzee, a panda, a lion cub, a giraffe, and a zebra.
• Barbie has had over 500 professional makeovers.
• An original mint condition Barbie doll can be valued at more than $4,500, according to collectors.
• In 1993, on average, over one million Barbie dolls were sold per week.

Barbie has been transformed over the years to reach the diverse children of the world. In doing so, Barbie has had many careers and has represented numerous nationalities. Her resume follows (according to Mattel, Inc.):

Barbie’s representation worldwide is impressive (facts courtesy of Mattel, Inc.):

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

IMPLICATIONS

• Why is Barbie so popular?
• Why would young girls (ages 3-10) find Barbie appealing?
• Barbie doll careers have changed dramatically over the past 35 years. What are the reasons are for this? (Consider the roles of men and women, economics, politics, educational opportunities, national trends, etc.)
• Note the nationalities Barbie represents. Is there any corresponding historical significance in the year each specific doll was added to the World Collection?
• What American values does Barbie reflect?

1. The American public has come to think of Barbie as their dream girl. Barbie represents American culture in her looks, clothes, careers, and hobbies.
2. The beauty and glamour of Barbie may lead children to feel (even more) inadequate with their bodies. Self-esteem is not contingent upon appearance. As educators, it is vital to foster self-esteem within the child.
3. Barbie’s lifestyle places value on expensive fashions, hair and beauty makeovers, boyfriends, careers, and vacations. A discussion of "real" values (e.g., integrity, pluralism, self-discipline, cooperation, freedom, etc.) with children is necessary.