Amirah Kambe
Now, new research from a Cal State Fullerton student is shedding light on how Black Barbie dolls specifically influence young Black girls' perceptions of their own hair and beauty standards.
Amirah Kambe, public health major and Class of 2025 graduate, participated in a groundbreaking study examining the relationship between representation in toys and children's self-image. Working alongside renowned Barbie scholar and CSUF faculty member Dr. Amirah Saafir, Kambe helped analyze how young Black girls interact with and respond to various Barbie dolls, with particular attention to race, body type, and hair texture.
"Whiteness was perceived as the default for Barbie and straight, blonde hair was a physical indicator for perfection," said Kambe. "Representation is about more than having Black Barbies with varying hair textures and styles in the toy section of a store."
The research team conducted interviews with girls ages 5-10, observing their play patterns and discussions about the dolls. They discovered that even when presented with Black Barbie options, many participants still expressed preferences that aligned with Eurocentric beauty standards.
The study also examined marketing materials, packaging, and positioning of the dolls in retail environments. The research team found that while Mattel has made strides in diversity, Black Barbies are often marketed differently and given less prominent placement in stores.
Saafir, who has studied children's toys and their cultural impact for over a decade, noted that the findings have significant implications for both toy manufacturers and parents. "The way toys are presented to children matters tremendously. When diverse dolls are treated as 'special editions' or alternatives to the 'standard' doll, it reinforces problematic hierarchies of beauty and worth."
