Postfeminist Representation: Masculinity on the Verge of Identity Crisis

Abstract

Numerous studies on the popular icon Barbie have focused on the representation of the character Ken. This study aims to investigate the extent of masculinity employed in Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster picture Barbie (2023). I follow the film’s use of post-feminist language to critique hegemonic masculinity’s symbols and discuss theoretical issues such as gender identity crises and gender performativity.

Keywords

• hegemonic masculinity
• postfeminism
• patriarchy
• gender identity
• feminism