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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Ian Sample Science editor

How the world of work has lured Barbie out of high heels

Margot Robbie  in Barbie
Margot Robbie flexes a heel in Barbie, a 2023 film in which the doll develops flat feet. Photograph: Film still

She walked into the world on high-heeled mules, but as Barbie’s many careers gathered pace, her feet became more planted on the ground, researchers say.

A rare analysis of nearly 3,000 Barbies released over 65 years found that high-heeled incarnations gradually made way for flat-shoed forms, as workplace rules relaxed and career doors opened for the PVC doll.

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