Scientist Barbie goes to the blackboard and doesn’t do very well

Barbie It is a consolidated brand in the toy market and its transversality spans countries and workplaces. Since her founding in 1959, Barbie has worked in more than 200 different professions, including being a scientist.

Barbie She was an astronomer, marine biologist, computer engineer, veterinarian and even an astronaut. His goal is to inspire girls to follow their dreams and become interested in science and technology.

The doll also partners with organizations such as National Geographic, NASA and Girls Who Code to promote science education and entertainment.

However, the researcher Catherine Klamerbelonging Indiana Universitywants to involve scientist Barbie with a study that has just been published in the magazine’s Christmas issue. British Medical Journal.

What conclusions have been drawn about scientific Barbie?

• The study involved 92 scientific Barbies (Ken and other brand dolls are also included).
• The occupational survey consisted of 53 doctors, 10 scientists, 2 science teachers, 15 nurses, 11 dentists and 1 paramedic..
• He later collected 65 dolls from other brands whose professions included 26 doctors, 27 scientists, 7 nurses, 2 dentists, 2 engineers and 1 MRI technician..
• 93% were women. That is, these were scientific Barbies. Only 7% matched Ken.
• 98% of Barbies were adults and 59% were white. None of them presented any kind of disability.
• 66% were represented by child care. Only 4% served adults.
• There were three dolls that were clearly ophthalmologists; but otherwise it is assumed that these are pediatricians without a clear narrow specialization.
• More than two-thirds of scientific Barbies wore loose hair and, more than half, heeled shoes. (failure to observe basic safety measures such as teasing and walking in sticky shoes)
• Medical Barbies also don’t have everything Security measures suitable. In fact, masks and gloves are conspicuously absent from these dolls.