Barbie Syndrome

Barbie syndrome is a cultural phenomenon indicating a desire to emulate the appearance and lifestyle of Mattel's Barbie doll. Most typically occurring in females during childhood and adolescence, the syndrome has also been known to continue through adulthood and appear in males. This is named Ken syndrome after Barbie's long-time male counterpart.

Origin and Beliefs

Barbie syndrome entered the lexicon after complaints concerning the unrealistically proportioned plaything, most often by parents and some feminists groups. They believe Barbie's figure instills unhealthy standards about appearance in the children who play with her and could lead to eating disorders or low self-esteem.

Actual Size

If Barbie was a human woman with the same proportions she would not be able to stand.

Creator Intentions

Creator Ruth Handler has said she created Barbie in part because it was "important to a little girl`s self-esteem to play with a doll that [had] breasts."

Waist Alteration

Mattel has long maintained that Barbie's proportions are necessary to make her outfits appear naturally fitting, but in the 2000s, the company altered the doll's waistline. Detractors claim the figure is still atypical of actual body types.

Living Doll

A self-admitted example of Barbie syndrome is Cindy Jackson, a woman who spent 13 years and $100,000 in initial plastic surgery to resemble the doll, including surgically applied make-up.

References

• Barbie's cultural effect
• Cindy Jackson

Resources

• History of Barbie