Barbie, the Greta Gerwig film that has grossed over $1 billion – $300million more than the other summer blockbuster Oppenheimer – has more messages in it than you realise as John Lowe of MoneyDoctors.ie reveals.
Barbie, now aged 64, is living the financial independence dream - she only works when she wants, lives a lavish lifestyle, has a wardrobe that stretches for miles and enjoys a dynamic social life. She also travels.
In a world where role models come in various forms, the iconic fashion doll has, in my view, emerged as an unexpected but powerful figure in promoting financial literacy and independence.
While traditionally known for her glamorous lifestyle, Barbie has undergone a transformation in recent years to encompass a broader range of careers and life choices. According to Mattel, the figure has had more than 200 careers in her lifetime.
This evolution has positioned her as a unique and effective financial role model, helping to replicate and empower individuals of all ages to take control of their financial futures.
Her representation as a character with diverse career options has only added to this, as over the years, she has embraced careers in fields such as science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), medicine, entrepreneurship, and more.
Such representation has played a key role in showing younger users and viewers that financial success can be attainable through various paths. In decades gone by, this was particularly invaluable, as generations of women in particular started to embrace the idea of working outside of the home, and then of pursuing more senior positions.
The iconic doll's influence goes beyond her physical representations; her presence and lessons extends into the realm of play, where these important life skills can be practiced both alone and with groups of friends.
Themed board games and apps provide children with interactive experiences that introduce financial concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate manner. Games such as Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures teach children the basics of budgeting, saving, and making financial decisions through virtual scenarios.
For many of us, taking our careers to the next step often means branching out into entrepreneurship. Whether it's starting your own business or monetising a side project, investing and believing in yourself can be one of life's most important financial lessons.
One of Barbie's most significant contributions as a financial role model is her emphasis on entrepreneurship. The "Career of the Year" Barbie dolls frequently feature entrepreneurial ventures, highlighting the importance of financial independence and business acumen.
By allowing children to act out what they believe to be work scenarios, these dolls can help children practice how they pursue their passions, take calculated risks, and build businesses, all while managing their finances effectively.
Educational initiatives that focus on financial literacy have also turned to the iconic doll for guidance. Collaborations with US organisations such as Junior Achievement and the Girl Scouts of the USA have led to the creation of programmes that educate young individuals about money management, budgeting, and financial planning.
Barbie's physical appearance has long been one of the sticking points for critics of how she represents women, but I believe that her commitment to diversity and inclusivity amplifies her impact as a financial role model.
In recent years, Barbie has expanded her line to include dolls of various body types, ethnicities, and abilities. This shift is instrumental in demonstrating that financial success is not limited to a specific demographic but is attainable for everyone.
By reflecting the real world, Barbie sends a powerful message that financial empowerment knows no boundaries.
In a world where financial literacy is an essential life skill, this character emerges as an unlikely yet powerful financial role model. Through her diverse career representations, interactive play experiences, emphasis on entrepreneurship, financial literacy initiatives, and inclusive messaging, she encourages individuals of all ages to take control of their financial destinies.
Her influence transcends the limitations of a plastic doll, promoting the idea that anyone can achieve financial independence, regardless of their background or aspirations.
And you thought it was just a film!
For more information click on John Lowe's profile above or on his website.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
