Parenting author from the University of Sydney claims the new super hero Barbie is a good first step for future gender equality.

Sydney, Australia / ACCESSWIRE / February 11, 2015 / In 2015 there are still fewer women in senior positions in the corporate world, a fact that provoked a female Associate Professor from University of Sydney, Business School to take the opportunity to praise, and help define, the role of the newly releasEd the super hero Barbie.

Dr Rosina McAlpine, parenting author and Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, Business School said that, "whilst the addition of a new super hero Barbie will be exciting for young girls, it's the underlying message she represents that is important. Barbie transforming into a superhero is a good first step towards changing gender stereotypes."

Barbie has had many reincarnations from mermaid to doctor, but the greatest transformation yet is the new super hero Barbie. "This Barbie is not your typical super hero conquering evil with brute force, instead of "ka-pow" it's "ka-bling", where she uses her powers of forgiveness and friendship to help people." says Dr McAlpine.

Traditionally Barbie has represented glamour, fashion and fun, but with the addition of a mask, cape and socially responsible super powers this new modern super hero comes with a modern message, and could decrease the criticisms leveled against Barbie for creating gender stereotypes - that girls play with dolls and have tea parties, while boys play with super heroes who conquer bad guys.

"Even with the many strong roles models for young women in the past, like Wonder Woman and Xena: Warrior Princess - we still have fewer women in senior positions in the corporate world and gender stereotypes continue, so the message needs to empower girls as well as educate society about equality if it is going to make a difference," Dr McAlpine said.

"We should welcome the toys, games and resources that give children an enjoyable experience with a positive message." Dr McAlpine emphasis, "Whether through a female super hero, at school or through good parenting, the key is that we inspire young girls and boys to have healthy self-esteem, manage their emotions, resolve conflict, while making a positive contribution to society. This the kind of world we all want for our children."

If Super hero Barbie has a job, it is to inspire young girls and boys alike to work well with others and communicate effectively in order to achieve any dream. And taking a life skills approach to parenting is exactly what Dr McAlpine advocates.

Dr Rosina McAlpine (Mladenovic) M: +61 407 101 264
rosina.mladenovic@sydney.edu.au

Media Enquiries:

Nadine Haynes, T: +61 29114 1136, M: +61 423 748 815
adine.haynes@sydney.edu.au

Brief Biography for Dr Rosina McAlpine

Dr. Rosina McAlpine is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney Business School and has a Masters degree and a PhD in education. She is an internationally recognised, award-winning researcher and educator receiving 5 outstanding teaching awards at the faculty, university and national levels as well as 5 international best paper awards. Her research interests include navigating and negotiating work-life balance and gender equality. Since becoming a parent, she has been developing programs to help parents overcome the challenges of modern day parenting using the latest research in child development. A keen researcher, Rosina has edited a book with chapters from leading minds around the world in psychology, neuro-science and biology for the book entitled Inspired Children: how the leading minds of today raise their children.

For more information about us, please visit
http://sydney.edu.au/business/staff/rosinam

Contact Info:

Name: Nadine Haynes
Organization: University of Sydney

SOURCE: Dr Rosina McAlpine