Theology Gone Pink: A Consideration of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie

Abstract

Gerwig’s Barbie film addresses social concerns regarding sexism and responds to interpretations of Genesis and the roles of men and women. The film argues that women should not rely on or find fulfilment with a man. However, while Ken and Barbie each forge their own paths at the film’s end, the real world continues to suffer from underground patriarchy and Barbie Land resumes functioning like a matriarchy. Gerwig draws attention to the social reform needed for true gender equality to exist, yet the film’s ending shows a distancing from the problem rather than a leaning into it. The Genesis account is often rejected because it is incorrectly interpreted as a patriarchal structure of man’s dominion over women; however, when viewed as an example of an egalitarian relationship, it offers positive visions for society. This requires resisting a narrative of hyper-individualism to right social wrongs and instead adopting a posture of egalitarian goodwill that bolsters the common good.