This study evaluates the 2024 Barbie Fashionista Collection through the lens of intersectionality, using enablers from the United Nations' Intersectionality Resource Guide and Toolkit as a benchmark. With Barbie’s increasing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, this research aims to assess the depth and authenticity of these efforts by analyzing whether the dolls embody multiple, overlapping marginalized identities and promote social justice. A mixed-method inventory case study was employed, coding 23 dolls against four adapted UN enablers: Dignity, Choice and Autonomy; Diverse Knowledges; Intersecting Identities; and Transformative and Rights Based. Findings revealed that while 87% of dolls represented at least one marginalized identity—achieving a high score in Dignity, Choice and Autonomy—the collection largely fell short in consulting marginalized communities (13%) and promoting rights-based themes (13%). Only two dolls fulfilled all four enablers, with most categorized as only slightly intersectional. Chi-squared analyses showed equitable representation across skin tones, but significant underrepresentation of varied body types and borderline underrepresentation of disabilities. These results suggest that Barbie’s inclusivity is largely surface-level, with limited engagement in deeper, intersectional design. The study recommends that Mattel increase the integration of intersecting identities, consult more diverse voices in the design process, and introduce educational, rights focused narratives to achieve more robust intersectionality.

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