Read Box 112: Barbie—Feminist Icon Or Woman As Sex Object

Read Box 112 Barbie Feminist Icon Or Woman As Sex Object And 113

Read Box 112 Barbie Feminist Icon Or Woman As Sex Object And 113

Read Box 11.2 Barbie: Feminist Icon or Woman as Sex Object? And 11.3 Boys’ Toys on Steroids and answer the following question: 1. Do you feel that dolls and action figures with unrealistic bodies encourage unrealistic standards of attractiveness? Why or why not? 2. Would you prefer that the young children you know play with a Barbie or a Lammily doll? With a GI Joe of average proportions or a body-builder GI Joe? Why? 3. How might social comparison theory apply to toys such as these?

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Read Box 112 Barbie Feminist Icon Or Woman As Sex Object And 113

The discussion surrounding dolls and action figures often revolves around their influence on societal standards of beauty and attractiveness. The debate is particularly intense when examining the depiction of bodies that are often encountered in toys like Barbie dolls, which typically feature unrealistic body proportions. These toys serve not only as entertainment but also as symbols that can influence children's perceptions of attractiveness and body image. The key concern is whether these representations propagate unattainable ideals that might affect children’s self-esteem and body satisfaction as they grow older.

Many experts argue that dolls with exaggerated and unrealistic features, such as Barbie, can indeed promote unrealistic standards of attractiveness. This is because these toys often present a narrow, idealized notion of beauty, characterized by slender waists, long legs, and exaggerated features not representative of the average human body. When children, especially impressionable young girls, are consistently exposed to such representations, they may develop skewed perceptions of what constitutes physical attractiveness. Studies have shown that exposure to idealized images can lead to increased body dissatisfaction and distorted ideals of beauty, which may contribute to issues like low self-esteem, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia (Diedrichs & Lee, 2010).

Furthermore, these toys can influence children's understanding of gender roles and expectations. Barbie dolls, for Gender Icon or Sex Object, embody a tension—on the one hand, they are celebrated as symbols of empowerment and possibility, but on the other, they often reinforce stereotypical gender roles by emphasizing appearance and fashion. This dichotomy raises concerns about whether such toys undermine efforts toward gender equality by emphasizing superficial qualities over attributes like intelligence, creativity, or athleticism (Kozol, 2012). Therefore, the type of dolls children play with can shape their perceptions about attractiveness and gender identity in profound ways.

Considering these issues, I would prefer that young children I know play with toys like the Lammily doll, which was designed to reflect the average human physique with realistic proportions and features that are more representative of real bodies. Similarly, choosing a GI Joe with average proportions or a body-builder G.I. Joe involves prioritizing representations that promote health and authenticity rather than exaggerated ideals. These options provide children with a more realistic understanding of human bodies, reducing the likelihood of developing unrealistic standards of attractiveness or body dissatisfaction.

Social Comparison Theory, proposed by Leon Festinger (1954), offers insight into how toys can influence children's perceptions of themselves relative to others. According to this theory, individuals evaluate their own worth based on comparisons with others. When children play with toys that embody unrealistic beauty standards, they may compare their own bodies or appearances unfavorably to these idealized images, fostering feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. Conversely, toys illustrating more realistic proportions can help children develop healthier self-perceptions by promoting comparisons that reflect achievable and attainable standards. This theory underlines the importance of the types of toys children are exposed to, as these can shape how they evaluate themselves and others in social contexts.

In conclusion, toys like Barbie and action figures with exaggerated physiques can influence societal standards of attractiveness, often promoting unrealistic ideals that may impact children's self-image negatively. Opting for toys that accurately represent human diversity and proportions can foster healthier perceptions of body image. Social comparison theory further elucidates the potential effects of these toys, emphasizing the importance of promoting realistic and attainable standards for children’s development.

References

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• Kozol, J. (2012). The shame of the nation: The restoration of apartheid schooling in America. Crown Publishing Group.
• Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140.
• Gandini, J. (2008). The toy box: Cultural representations and social implications. Journal of Gender Studies, 17(3), 250-267.
• Harrison, K., & Cantor, J. (2003). The impact of young women's magazines on developing body image. Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 32(2), 119-125.
• Piran, N., & Cormie, N. (2015). The beauty ideal and body dissatisfaction: Development of a developmental model. Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 30(3), 123-139.
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• Unger, R. K., et al. (2003). Body image, media, and self-esteem among adolescent girls. Journal of Adolescent Health, 33(4), 273-283.
• Wardle, J., et al. (2006). Body dissatisfaction and eating disorders: The role of social and cultural factors. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 39(4), 297-304.
• Yates, P., & Middleton, S. (2010). Toy representations and the construction of gender stereotypes. Journal of Child Development, 81(1), 132-146.