My research project’s argument is how the Barbie doll has survived three decades of cultural change, but still remains a pop culture icon. Within in my paper I hope to explain the beginning history of Barbie and how she went from being a doll into part of the American culture for girls. Since the topic of Barbie is such a broad subject, I will limit my paper to focus only on Barbie as a pop culture icon. Given my research thus far I hope to get an understanding of how the barbie doll escaped from becoming a fad, like so many other toys through the years. In addition, I hope to better understand and provide answers to how Barbie is subconsciously a symbol to America. Also, through my research I hopefully will see how the marketing techniques of the Matell company have contributed to Barbie’s stability.

I have found some great sources that focus on Barbie as an icon in America. The book, Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll, by M.G Lord. Is on hold in another library, and I will be getting it shortly. However, reading about the book on-line, it seems to be very informative and will be helpful in my research. This book discusses the history of Matell and the marketing of Barbie. Another book that I will be obtaining from another library is Barbie The icon, The image and The ideal by: Kristin Noelle Weissman. Reading about the book on-line, this book will aide in my research greatly. The book shows parallels between the development of Barbie and the evolution of America’s culture. A good website about Barbie influencing Post-War American Culture, is an article by Dr. Forman-Brunell, from the University of Missouri. This article describes how Barbie became an example of what women should dress and represent.
I am just beginning my research, therefore I am still waiting on the books that I mentioned above to come in. Also, I hope that my paper topic is not too broad and that through more research I can probably narrow down my thesis and arguement even more.