Barbie Case Study Answer
Barbie’s Success Story
Submitted By
Kishor Chandra
92062
WMG 18
1
Question 1.
Analyst observed that the Barbie, the main icon of American culture, reflected changes in American society. Analyze the changes in Barbie’s image over the years.
Answer.
Barbie was considered an icon of American culture across the world and a representation of the richness and luxurious lifestyle of the Americans. She was also regarded as a role model who inspired young girls to become independent and self independent.
Analyst attributed Barbie’s success to its ever changing styles and its adaptability to changing trends in American society. Barbie faced a lot of criticism for allegedly sending wrong messages to young girls. Sometimes Barbie also faces many criticisms. Sometimes it was criticized for a sex symbol. Some even accused Barbie of encouraging girls to visualize themselves as sex objects.
One of the main reasons for Barbie’s success was its adaptability to changing trends. It was reported that Barbie had more than 80 careers within a period of 40 years. The doll had played a role of college graduate, doctor, teacher, astronaut, presidential candidate, surgeon and business executive among others. Mattel realized that to suit the changing times, Barbie needed to look more assertive. In 1971, Mattel introduced” Live Action Barbie” to portray the liberated woman. Live Action Barbie had a trimmer figure than earlier Barbie’s. In 1974 Mattel introduced “Sweet Sixteen” Barbie. This Barbie was not glamorous as teenager during that period opted for less makeup and long hair. In 1975 for the winter Olympics a new athlete Barbie was launched. The athlete Barbie had the clothes and accessories of a swimmer, skater and a skier. With a new version, Barbie’s faces also have new changes. In 1975 she got a warm grin and by 1977 she had a permanent smile. In the 1980s Barbie came with wide smile and winged hair. By the mid 1980s, the American woman adopting different careers,
Submitted By
Kishor Chandra
92062
WMG 18
1
Question 1.
Analyst observed that the Barbie, the main icon of American culture, reflected changes in American society. Analyze the changes in Barbie’s image over the years.
Answer.
Barbie was considered an icon of American culture across the world and a representation of the richness and luxurious lifestyle of the Americans. She was also regarded as a role model who inspired young girls to become independent and self independent.
Analyst attributed Barbie’s success to its ever changing styles and its adaptability to changing trends in American society. Barbie faced a lot of criticism for allegedly sending wrong messages to young girls. Sometimes Barbie also faces many criticisms. Sometimes it was criticized for a sex symbol. Some even accused Barbie of encouraging girls to visualize themselves as sex objects.
One of the main reasons for Barbie’s success was its adaptability to changing trends. It was reported that Barbie had more than 80 careers within a period of 40 years. The doll had played a role of college graduate, doctor, teacher, astronaut, presidential candidate, surgeon and business executive among others. Mattel realized that to suit the changing times, Barbie needed to look more assertive. In 1971, Mattel introduced” Live Action Barbie” to portray the liberated woman. Live Action Barbie had a trimmer figure than earlier Barbie’s. In 1974 Mattel introduced “Sweet Sixteen” Barbie. This Barbie was not glamorous as teenager during that period opted for less makeup and long hair. In 1975 for the winter Olympics a new athlete Barbie was launched. The athlete Barbie had the clothes and accessories of a swimmer, skater and a skier. With a new version, Barbie’s faces also have new changes. In 1975 she got a warm grin and by 1977 she had a permanent smile. In the 1980s Barbie came with wide smile and winged hair. By the mid 1980s, the American woman adopting different careers,