Barbie dolls have been popular for generations among young children. They have also been criticized for having an unrealistic female body, which can cause young girls to have body image concerns.
Amirah Kambe, public health major and Class of 2025 graduate, participated in a study to examine how Barbie — specifically Black Barbie — influences young girls’ perceptions of their own hair.
Kambe conducted research alongside renowned Barbie scholar and CSUF faculty member Amirah Saafir, who designed a study examining young Black girls’ thoughts on race, body type and hair while interacting with various Barbie dolls. Kambe helped identify themes in the children’s responses.
“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.”
Kambe recommends that companies like Mattel be more intentional with their marketing campaigns. She said that representation impacts children’s self-perception, which influences their confidence, mental and emotional health.
“This research has reinforced how deeply representation influences public health. I want to ensure Black communities have access to equitable health education, resources and positive representation,” she said.
After graduation, Kambe plans to continue exploring the intersections of race, health and identity as she pursues a master’s degree in public health or medical sociology.