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Barbie turns 50, but dolls forever young in eyes of U.S. girls

The Chicago Tribune, 2/28/09

Abstract:

...Since Barbie was introduced by toy giant Mattel in March 1959, the amply breasted, slim-waisted, shockingly blond fashion icon has been at the forefront of the socialization movement. A rebel among dolls a half-century ago, Barbie provided young girls who are now Baby Boomer adults an alternative to baby dolls and their domestic overtones.

"During the 1950s and before, there was this dominant prevailing idea that women should be homemakers and mothers," said Miriam Forman-Brunell, author of "Made to Play House: Dolls and the Commercialization of American Girlhood." "Barbie challenged the postwar ideal about motherhood and sent the message that it was also OK to be a working woman."...

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