In her “Barbie” movie monologue, actress America Ferrara, who plays Gloria (pictured above), draws from social scientists’ research to outline the complexity of being a woman. Photo from Mattel, Inc./Illustration by Michael Ivins, Holy Cross
Since its unveiling in 1959, the Barbie doll’s evolution has been shifted and shaped by cultural expectations, societal movements, corporate idealism and children’s imaginations. The smash hit “Barbie” movie, released in July, is the latest reimagining of the doll and could be perceived as a force for good, according to Danuta Bukatko, distinguished professor of education and professor of psychology.