Join us for an enlightening discussion with Robyn Ryle, Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies and author of Questioning Gender, as we take an analytical deep-dive into the world of Barbie. Whether you grew up with the iconic doll or are intrigued by the cultural buzz surrounding the blockbuster Barbie movie, this episode pulls back the curtain on how Barbie is more than just a plastic doll—she’s a richly layered symbol ripe for exploring concepts like gender, power, and identity. This episode isn’t just about Barbie—it’s about seeing the connections between toys, media, and the gendered lens through which we understand the world. By analyzing pop culture artifacts like Barbie, we can peek behind the curtain of societal norms and spark meaningful conversations about gender identity, representation, and empowerment.

What You'll Learn:

• Barbie in the Classroom: Discover creative ways educators can integrate Barbie into teaching sociology and gender studies. Robyn shares activities designed to highlight gender concepts like occupational segregation, intersectionality, and media power theory.
• Is Barbie a Feminist Icon or Not? Through lively discussion and audience polls, we tackle one of the most divisive questions in pop culture. Does Barbie challenge the patriarchy, or is she a co-opted symbol of capitalism?
• Barbie and Intersectionality: Explore the evolution of Barbie’s diversity, including the introduction of dolls of different races, body types, and abilities. Do these changes create a truly inclusive Barbie universe—or just a surface-level nod to intersectionality?
• Ken, Alan, and Masculinity: A thought-provoking look into how Barbie reveals underlying ideas about masculinity and the impact of the patriarchy on men, as seen through characters like Ken and the fan-favorite “Weird Barbie.”