Theme or Issue in Barbie

Greta Gerwig’s Barbie offers a rich text for the Leaving Certificate Comparative Study, particularly through the Theme or Issue mode.

Central Theme: Patriarchy and Gender Roles

The film primarily explores the pervasive nature of patriarchy and its impact on both men and women. It critiques traditional gender roles and societal expectations, highlighting their artificiality and often destructive consequences.

The narrative challenges the idea that gender roles are inherent, instead portraying them as socially constructed. It examines how these constructs limit individual potential and foster inequality.

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Textual References and Analysis

Barbie Land’s Matriarchy

Initially, Barbie Land operates as a matriarchal utopia, where Barbies hold all positions of power. This serves as a direct inversion of patriarchal society. It highlights the absurdity of a world where one gender is universally dominant and the other subservient.

This initial setup allows the film to then expose the flaws of any system built on exclusion.

Ken’s Discovery of Patriarchy

Ken’s journey to the real world introduces him to patriarchy, which he then attempts to implement in Barbie Land. His quick adoption of patriarchal structures, such as transforming the Dreamhouse into a ‘Kendom’, illustrates its seductive power.

This shows how easily individuals can internalise and perpetuate oppressive systems once exposed to them.

Stereotypical Barbie’s Existential Crisis

Barbie’s journey to self-discovery is intrinsically linked to understanding societal gender expectations. Her initial perfection is a product of patriarchal ideals of female beauty and submissiveness.

Her subsequent struggle with ‘imperfect’ thoughts and feelings directly challenges these restrictive norms. This highlights the pressure on women to conform to unrealistic standards.

Gloria’s Monologue on Womanhood

Gloria’s powerful monologue articulates the contradictory expectations placed upon women in patriarchal society. She lists the impossible standards women are expected to meet, such as being thin but not too thin, and being a boss but also nurturing.

This speech acts as a crucial articulation of the film’s central theme, resonating deeply with female viewers.

Compatible Comparative Texts

• A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen: Explores societal expectations of women in the 19th century and Nora’s rebellion against patriarchal control.
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood: Depicts an extreme patriarchal dystopia where women are stripped of all rights and individuality.
• Fences by August Wilson: Examines the impact of patriarchal figures on family dynamics and the limitations placed on individuals by societal roles.

Sample Comparative Question Stems

• “A text’s general vision and viewpoint can be largely shaped by its exploration of societal power structures.” Discuss this statement with reference to Barbie and at least one other text on your course.
• Compare how Barbie and at least two other texts explore the limitations imposed by traditional gender roles on individuals.
• “The central theme or issue of a text often serves as a catalyst for significant character development.” Examine this statement, referring to Barbie and two other comparative texts.

Structuring a Comparative Answer

When responding to a Theme or Issue question, begin by clearly stating the common theme across your chosen texts. For Barbie, this would be patriarchy and gender roles.

Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific aspect of this theme, using a different text as your primary example in each paragraph. Always link back to the other texts, highlighting similarities and differences in their treatment of the issue.

Use specific textual references from Barbie, such as Ken’s ‘Kendom’ or Gloria’s monologue, to support your points. Ensure your analysis demonstrates a clear understanding of how the theme contributes to the general vision and viewpoint of each text.

The Text’s Attitude Toward the Theme

Barbie adopts a critical and satirical attitude towards patriarchy and rigid gender roles. It uses humour and hyperbole to expose their absurdities and injustices. The film celebrates female empowerment and self-acceptance, advocating for a more equitable and inclusive society.

It ultimately suggests that genuine fulfilment comes from challenging, rather than conforming to, societal expectations. This is evident in Barbie’s choice to become a human woman, embracing imperfection.

Exam-Ready Analysis Points

• The film employs satire to critique patriarchal structures, particularly through the reversal of roles in Barbie Land.
• It highlights the performative nature of gender and the societal pressure to conform.
• The journey of characters like Barbie and Ken illustrates the process of awakening to and challenging societal norms.
• The film’s resolution suggests a hopeful, albeit complex, path towards dismantling oppressive gender roles.
• Barbie promotes a feminist general vision and viewpoint, advocating for individual agency and choice.

Related Pages

• Barbie Study Guide
• Barbie Summary
• Themes in Barbie
• Key Moments in Barbie
• Key Quotes in Barbie
• Ending of Barbie Explained