Barbie and Ken have finally had a reality check – almost 70 years after they first debuted.
Previous research revealed the original dolls’ proportions were almost unattainable in real life.
In fact, one analysis found if a real woman had Barbie’s body, she wouldn’t be able to lift her head and would have to crawl on all fours.
However, a study has now revealed this is no longer the case.
Scientists from Adelaide University analysed the measurements of four recent Barbie dolls, as well as the latest Ken doll.
The results revealed the dolls’ proportions are finally starting to resemble those of real people.
Dr Sara Grafenauer, lead author of the study, said: ‘Our study found that Barbie and Ken’s body proportions today have become markedly more realistic, with waist–to–hip and chest-to-waist measurements now falling within the normal range for key female body proportions, albeit still below the typical female averages.
‘Interestingly, while Ken’s overall body shape has become more realistic, some proportions – particularly his chest-to-waist ratio remain less representative of the average man.’
Barbie and Ken have finally had a reality check – almost 70 years after they first debuted. Pictured: the original 1959 Barbie (left), and today’s Curvy Barbie (right)
The study confirmed that the dolls’ proportions are finally starting to resemble those of real people
Barbie debuted in 1959 and Ken in 1961 – and since then, they’ve become some of the most popular dolls around the world.
However, their body proportions have been called into question on several occasions.
‘Barbie and Ken are among the most recognisable cultural icons globally, and for many children, they’re an early and influential representation of what bodies of adults “should” look like,’ Dr Grafenauer said.
‘But traditional Barbie and Ken dolls have always had unrealistic and statistically improbable body shapes.
‘In fact, the original dolls’ body shapes were so extreme that less than one in 10 million people could match their proportions.’
To understand whether or not that is still the case, the researchers measured the physical dimensions of four of today’s ‘Fashionista’ Barbie dolls – Curvy, Tall, Petite, and Standard – as well as the latest Ken doll.
They then compared these measurements to those of young men and women aged 18-35.
Specific measures included: head, neck, chest, waist, hip, thigh, mid-thigh, calf, ankle, upper arm, forearm and wrist, with waist-to-hip, chest-to-waist, and chest-to-hip ratios calculated.
The researchers measured the physical dimensions of today’s ‘Fashionista’ Barbie dolls – Curvy, Tall, Petite, and Standard – as well as the latest Ken doll
Today’s Barbie dolls feature three body types (tall, curvy and petite) as well as seven skin tones
The results revealed that the waist-to-hip and chest-to-waist ratios of dolls are now much closer to those seen in real people.
In particular, Curvy Barbie was closely matched to today’s average female body proportions, while the latest version of Ken is also more realistic.
Professor Kevin Norton, co-author of the study, said: ‘The positive changes we’re seeing in Barbie and Ken’s body shapes should provide some reassurance for health professionals and parents choosing these dolls.
‘The greater diversity we’re seeing is a positive step that better reflects the people children see around them every day.
‘We know Barbie and Ken are promoted as aspirational role models, so it makes sense that their body shapes and proportions are meaningful to those who play with them.’
Based on the findings, the researchers are calling for ‘continued diversification’ of the dolls.
Belinda Durey, co-author of the study, added: ‘Children’s toys do more than entertain, they help shape perceptions of bodies, health and identity.
‘The more those toys reflect the diversity of real people, the more positive that influence can be.
The results revealed that waist-to-hip and chest-to-waist ratios of dolls are now much closer to those seen in real people
‘The introduction of multiple body shapes is a positive step.
‘Continued diversification – including variation in size, shape and proportion – can better reflect real populations.
‘There’s no doubt that today’s Barbie and Ken are still stylised, but they’re substantially closer to average human body proportions than earlier generations, and that’s a step in the right direction.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Mattel for comment.
