Barbie Doll Syndrome and Body Image: Can A Doll From 1959 Really Affect Body Image in 2024?

She’s long, lean, and smothered in pink. Her hair is beauty-pageant lush, her plastic breasts are firmly attentive, and her non-bunioned feet are always on tiptoe. And she has it all — careers, houses, cars, fashion, friends. It’s no wonder her smiling eyes sparkle with “my life is perfect ” unreality — an unreality that actually has its own name: Barbie Doll Syndrome.

You know the aesthetic: tall, thin, blonde, cis white female with an impossibly cinched waist and legs for days. And don’t forget the Carrie Bradshaw closetful of couture.

Since coming out of the box in 1959, Barbie has maintained one of the most iconic bodies and brands in the world. Her brand recognition is up there with Mickey Mouse, though for very different reasons.

Considering that 88% of women had a Barbie doll growing up, Barbie’s influence on how we feel about our bodies is undeniable.

(And then there’s Ken, Barbie’s industry-imposed male-of-interest who just couldn’t — and still can’t — shine outside of Barbie’s orbit. But that’s another article.)