Barbie Doll Falls Short as an Inspirational Career Model, Suggests Humorous Study
The popular Barbie doll has recently been released in versions portraying her as a doctor and scientist, aiming to serve as a role model for young girls in terms of career aspirations. However, a lighthearted study featured in the Christmas edition of the renowned “British Medical Journal” implies that Barbie still has a long way to go in this regard. The study humorously suggests that Barbie should consider becoming a neurosurgeon according to medical professionals.
While Mattel, the company behind Barbie, introduced these new career-themed dolls in an effort to promote diversity and empower girls, the study casts doubt on their effectiveness in inspiring meaningful career choices. By examining Barbie’s portrayal as a doctor and scientist, the study reveals the limitations of a mere plastic doll in instilling genuine ambition and interest in these fields among young girls.
Specifically, the study proposes that Barbie should take up the profession of a neurosurgeon. This tongue-in-cheek recommendation highlights the discrepancy between the doll’s appearance and the demanding nature of the mentioned career path. Neurosurgery is a specialized field requiring extensive education, rigorous training, and exceptional skill. Consequently, the comical suggestion serves as a subtle critique of the superficiality associated with Barbie’s depiction as a professional.
The authors of the study, presumably medical professionals themselves, imply that aspiring doctors, particularly women, need more substantial role models to inspire and guide them. While having a diverse range of Barbie dolls showcasing various professions is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, the study raises the question of whether these dolls truly serve as effective career influences.
It’s important to note that the study employs humor to shed light on a broader issue rather than diminishing the significance of Barbie’s overall impact. The intention is not to dismiss Barbie’s positive contributions entirely but rather to encourage a deeper examination of the factors shaping girls’ career aspirations.
In conclusion, the study from the “British Medical Journal” humorously suggests that Barbie should consider pursuing a career as a neurosurgeon. By doing so, it highlights the limitations of a plastic doll in effectively inspiring young girls to pursue ambitious careers. While the introduction of career-themed Barbie dolls is a step towards promoting diversity and empowerment, the study underscores the need for more substantial role models to guide and inspire aspiring professionals, particularly in the medical field.
