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Young Americans are the most likely to say that Barbie has had a negative impact on American society
Barbie is one of the most iconic toys of the 20th century and millions of this quintessentially American doll have been sold all over the world. In recent years, however, the doll has come under growing criticism from those who say that the doll's disproportionately slim figure gives young girls unrealistic expectations of what their own body should look like. Mattel has hit back at these accusations, saying that the doll's awkward proportions are to allow the doll's clothes to look normal, while also teaming up with Sports Illustrated to showcase Barbie in their annual swimsuit issue.
The latest research from YouGov shows that, overall, most Americans think that Barbie has either had a positive impact (27%) or no impact (34%) on society. Only 22% say that Barbie has been bad for America. This number rises sharply among under-30s, however, with 36% of younger Americans saying that Barbie has had a negative impact on society, while 21% say that the doll has had a positive impact. Under-30s are the only group of Americans which is more likely to say that Barbie has had a negative rather than positive impact.
Asked how important it is for toys like Barbie to accurately represent girls bodies, a notable gender divide emerges. Nearly half of women (49%) say that it is important for toys to accurately represent bodies, but less than a third (32%) of men agree.
