37th Annual Student Research Conference
Barbie and Ken: A Decades Long Break-Up
Dalaney D. Widiger♦
Dr. Adam Davis, Faculty Mentor
Barbie is one of the most popular films of the last year and many fans were surprised by Barbie and Ken’s break-up, as it appears to challenge the long-time relationship of the couple and the narrative of Barbie as a successful career woman and perfect girlfriend. This study explores the Barbie film franchise with a focus on Barbie Ballerinas and Princesses as a way of understanding Barbie as simultaneously autonomous and representative of traditional women’s stereotypes and roles, particularly her relationship with Ken. The Barbie animated films have slowly been phasing Ken and the romantic plot points out of their stories for over a decade. Barbie’s rejection of Ken in the live-action film then suggests a continuation of the animated films’ characterization of the couple as friends instead of romantic pursuits.
Keywords: Barbie Films, Barbie and Ken, Barbie Princess, Barbie Ballerina, Barbie and Dating
Topic(s):English
Women's and Gender Studies
Interdisciplinary Studies
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 204-1
Location: SUB Georgian Room C
Time: 10:15