User:Privy1/Barbie and Her Careers

Barbie's Careers

In 2011, a woman's career choices are only limited by her imagination. In 1959, however, the career choices for women were limited by society's view on the role of women outside the home. That same year a brand new type of doll was introduced to young girls around the world by the Mattel Toy Company. Created by Ruth Handler, Barbie was imbued with her own biography, but it was limited to her name, family, and, eventually, a boyfriend - her career was left wide-open so that little girls could discover the possibilities available to them while playing them out with Barbie.

Barbie is set apart from other dress-able dolls because of her wardrobe and accessories. It is the finishing touches that helps little girls the world over take their imaginations even further. According to Barbie's creator, Ruth Handler, Barbie enabled little girls to be anything they wanted to be. Barbie debuted in 1959 as a "Teen-age Fashion Model" and has been able to maintain her popularity because she adapts to the environment around her. The evolution of Barbie and her fashions/other accessories parallels the changes in the roles and trends of the American woman through the years. Handler maintained that, “Barbie always represented the fact that a woman always had choices”. While many of the career choices Barbie made were traditional for the time period, many were not: in 1963, Barbie was a college graduate, in 1965 she was an astronaut, an executive in 1986, and an airline pilot in 1990. Warman’s Barbie Doll Field Guide offers the following list of possible careers for Barbie:


 * Teenage Fashion Model
 * Fashion Editor
 * Ballerina
 * Registered Nurse
 * American Airlines Flight Attendant
 * Tennis Pro
 * Executive (Career Girl)
 * Astronaut
 * Student Teacher
 * Surgeon
 * Miss America
 * Olympic Athlete: Downhill Skier


 * Figure Skater
 * Gymnast
 * Concert Pianist
 * TV News Reporter
 * Veterinarian
 * Rock Star
 * UNICEF Ambassador
 * U.S. Air Force Pilot
 * Marines Corps Sergeant
 * Police officer
 * Pediatrician
 * Air Force Thunderbird Squadron Leader


 * Engineer
 * Paleontologist
 * Boutique Owner
 * Professional WNBA Basketball Player
 * Major League Baseball Player
 * Business
 * Olympic Swimmer
 * Presidential Candidate
 * Formula 1 Driver
 * Children’s Doctor
 * Sign Language Teacher
 * Art Teacher

Through special collections like the Designers’ Salute to Hollywood, top players in their profession, including Vera Wang, were showcased, showing young girls just how far they too could make it in any career they choose. The Hollywood Legends Collection, spotlighted icons of the silver screen, like Viviene Leigh as Scarlet O'Hara in Gone With The Wind, that have inspired young girls and grown women for years. Barbie also offers more traditional avenues of play with sets like the Day-to-Night Barbie that fit into the working woman image of the 1980s. Barbie’s reversible outfit enables Barbie to dress for the office and easily convert her business attire to an evening ensemble. The “Green Thumb” outfit in the Barbara Millicent Roberts line, is a simple outfit compared to some available, but it still allows girls to learn about possible careers as either a florist, horticulturist, or botanist. Pastry Chef Barbie is the first step on the road to many possibilities in the food industry. There are sous, pastry, high-end cuisine, and head-chefs. TV News Anchor Barbie is the 125th top career choice among girls. The representation of Barbie as a news anchor opens the door to journalism - be it on air or in print for girls to pursue. The Barbie along with her fashions and accessories introduces young girls to all the possibilities available to them in terms of careers.