Barbie’s Next Job: The Male Dominated Career of Computer Engineer

As this New York Times article, “Barbie”s Next Career? Computer Engineer,”  says, “Barbie has come a long way since 1992, when the blond bombshell of a doll was programmed to say, “‘Math class is tough.’”

This career was chosen, by the first ever vote by Barbie fans — half a million of them. This is significant given that engineering is a career in which men far outnumber women and the number of women going into the field is actually declining.  

And where did Mattel get advice on Barbie’s geek accessories? From the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering. And those in the field who want to see more girls chose this career applaud the move. Says the NYT, “Lynn Langit, a developer evangelist at Microsoft who teaches programming to girls and works on a Microsoft program called DigiGirlz that teaches girls about technology careers, said she was thrilled about Barbie’s next career.”

In a world where socialization is powerful in how boys and girls can envision a future for themselves, play is not just play – it’s work.

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