Unraveling the Impact of Barbie on Body Image and Self-esteem

Although she had a record breaking opening weekend at the box office, Barbie, the iconic doll that has been a staple in many childhoods, has always had a tumultuous relationship with girls and women around the world. Often seen as the epitome of desired beauty standards, the doll has played a major role in the cultural zeitgeist of the last 64 years since debuting. 

Jaehee Jung, professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware, can speak to the impact Barbie has had on body image issues, how it has affected young girls and womens' beauty ideals and even gender roles.

She notes that despite more increased diversity in dolls and franchises, this standard of beauty still has a major impact on all these areas of identity. 

Jung's research focuses on body image issues and beauty standards in consumer culture.