Mattel, creator of the classic Barbie doll, has launched a gender-neutral version of Barbie today! The new Barbie “Creatable World” dolls are part of Mattel’s new, more inclusive lineup. They feature gender-neutral features and clothes, as well as interchangeable hair length.
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Generation Z and Alpha… The “Non Binary Generations”
Researchers at Mattel say “Generation Alpha” – people born in 2010 or later – think of gender very differently. Many already identify as gender non-conforming. The same is true of Generation Z, with some studies suggesting nearly 30% of teens may identify as gender non-conforming!
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It seems like kids these days want toys that they can conform to their own ideas and preferences. That means no pre-established gender identity, among other things… The hair on these new Barbie dolls will be interchangeable and even the clothes were carefully designed by Mattel to be gender neutral!
With options for short or long hair, different skin colours, neutral, youthful face shapes and a wide variety of clothes, kids playing with these dolls are given much more opportunity to create characters and stories that truly reflect their own imaginations.
Mattel’s Inclusive Transformation
This isn’t the first time Mattel has changed its classic Barbie line in response to social trends. Back in 2016, Mattel added three new body types to its Barbies, including a “plus sized” Barbie. Since then, Barbie has seen an increase in popularity. Sales increased 14% last year!
We can’t wait to see how these new gender neutral Barbie dolls will be received by children and parents!
You can check out the new Barbie Creatable World dolls here!