Barbie's Reach to the Sky

The iconic fashion doll may have a new movie out, but she's long played a role inspiring women in aviation.

Friday, July 21, 2023 at 05:07 PM ET

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If you know a woman with a career in aviation or the sciences, chances are good she has a collectible Barbie doll celebrating her career. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Barbie was created by Ruth Handler to inspire girls to pursue diverse careers beyond traditional roles, such as motherhood.
Initially a fashion model, secretary, and teacher, Barbie evolved to embrace various aviation careers, progressing from a "stewardess" in the 1970s to an "airline pilot" in the 1980s, often including career tips.
In 2001, Barbie expanded into STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), introducing dolls like astrophysicists, astronauts, and military pilots.
Modern Barbie dolls continue to reflect their inspirational role by offering a wider range of careers and promoting diversity in skin tones, body types, and hairstyles.

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If you know a woman with a career in aviation or the sciences, chances are good she has a collectible Barbie doll celebrating her career. Barbie was created to inspire girls to pursue occupations past motherhood.

That may be difficult to envision, given the release of the Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, which has been described as a comedy served up on a platter of pink. The film opens nationwide Friday.