Barbie

The stereotypes placed over men and women throughout various forms of media, including film and TV, song, printed media, and even through objects like toys, have a large impact on society as a whole. Kumari and Joshi (2015) explain that media plays an important role in sharing information concerning what deems to be the fabric of contemporary culture, which can aid in changing, or perpetuating long standing societal norms. This study identifies how Greta Gerwig's Barbie (2023) approaches the themes of the portrayal of women in the media through the Barbie film, examining themes such as objectification, self-objectification, and the ultra-thin body ideal. While the film critiques societal expectations of women, it paradoxically reinforces the same beauty standards it seeks to challenge, highlighting the complexity of media portrayals. The contrast between Barbie Land's matriarchal utopia and patriarchal dominance underscores the toxic effects of rigid gender roles, particularly on Ken's transformation. Ultimately, this thesis explores how the film encourages women to embrace their femininity and men to reject hyper masculine norms, contributing to broader discussions on gender, power, and identity in popular culture.