Introduction: Patriarchy, Matriarchy, And Historical Roots
When we examine the concepts of matriarchy and patriarchy, we can see that they are terms with very ancient origins. While patriarchy has existed etymologically since ancient times, matriarchy became popular in the 19th century thanks to Johann Jakob Bachofen. The term patriarchy originates from the Greek word patriarkhes (head of the family) and has been used since ancient times to mean “the absolute rule of the father”.
The current system offers us a life under the shadow of patriarchy, gender roles, and social learning theory. There is a world order where men make the rules, and men dominate. Men are still seen as the head of the family. Thus, the figure of authority has been defined as male. Money, the source of livelihood for the household, is normalised as something that men must earn. In politics as well as in working life, male dominance is still presented as a natural setting. According to social role theory, women’s duties can be reflected as running the home, raising children, and serving.
In contrast to our world system, the Barbie (2023) film clearly depicts a matriarchal system.
Barbieland As A Matriarchal Utopia
In this film, we witnessed a pink utopia where women are in charge. We saw Kens, who are nothing without women, that is, Barbies. We also witnessed how a world where women have the final say, women’s rules are enforced, and women are in charge operates.
However, the real discussion begins when Barbie and Ken enter the real world in the film. Ken, who is familiar with the matriarchal Barbie world, is clearly surprised when he sees the patriarchal system in the real world because, by nature, Ken is not patriarchal. He learns what patriarchy is by observing and researching, and when Barbie and Ken return to Barbieland, he wants to implement this patriarchal system.
According to Social Learning Theory, Ken’s behaviour shows us that individuals can adopt stereotypical judgements simply through observation (Bandura, 1977). The way he reflects this system is shown through horses, furs, alcohol, and the social role assigned to women; Ken has adopted the images he sees in the real world as symbols of patriarchy.
Belonging, Identity, And The Transformation Of Barbie’s Dream House
The place where Ken begins to change the system is Barbie’s house. There is actually a very significant meaning behind his starting to change the system from Barbie’s dream house: “not feeling belonging”.
Although there are no Ken houses in Barbieland, every Barbie has her own house. In fact, in one scene in the film, we witness that Barbie has no idea where Ken lives. Kens, who have no living space of their own, have developed neither a sense of belonging nor a sense of value. Ken tries to overcome this feeling of worthlessness by finding a home of his own.
Another move by the Kens is to direct the well-equipped Barbies to serve them. Under normal circumstances, Kens are happy just because Barbies look at them, but now that Barbies have started to serve them, it is seen as a transition to a higher status.
Barbies, on the other hand, embrace this new order rather than seeing it as a threat. An example of this is when a Barbie who is a doctor serves drinks to the Kens. The film also features scenes where Barbies express their rapid adaptation to the new order and their satisfaction with the situation.
From Barbieland To Kenland: The Institutionalisation Of Patriarchy
Another move by the Kens to initiate the patriarchal system is to take over the leadership. With the new vote initiated, it is possible to see that the Kens have taken over and that the public is satisfied. With the change in the form of government, Barbieland has now become Kenland.
In the new order of Kenland, Barbies have been discredited, stripped of their equipment, and evicted from their dream homes. In other words, the patriarchal system in Kenland has affected Barbies negatively, contrary to what they thought.
Among these negatives, we can point out hostile and benevolent sexism. When Kens take over from Barbies, hostile sexism becomes clearly visible. This is because Ken, having witnessed male leadership in the real world, believes that women are not actually suited to this position.
Under the significant influence of the new system, Barbies abandon their careers to serve, nurture, and support Kens. Therefore, although Barbie’s actions may appear positive and supportive, they can be cited as an example of benevolent sexism theory.
Conclusion: Recognising The Limits Of Both Systems
Consequently, this film affords us the opportunity to recognise the shortcomings of both systems. While observing that there is no place for men in the matriarchal system of Barbies, we have also observed that in the patriarchal system of Kens and the real world, women are belittled, their leadership qualities are doubted due to their potential for emotional approaches, and serving is portrayed as solely a woman’s duty.
In this article, we have examined both matriarchal and patriarchal systems and touched upon gender-biased prejudices. My personal opinion is that we need to focus more on the explicit messages conveyed by films. We must evaluate everything we watch and read, considering both its positive or beneficial aspects and its negative or deficient aspects.