Research Objective: This study aims to analyze gender inequality in the Barbie movie through Stuart Hall’s Reception Analysis.
Research method: This study uses Stuart Hall’s Reception Theory with a constructivist paradigm. The data collection techniques used in this research are the observation of the Barbie movie, produced by Heyday Film, released in 2023; interviews conducted with informants who have watched the Barbie movie, as well as documentation and source triangulation for data validity.
Findings: The results of this study show that the gender inequality present in this film is very clearly depicted through Barbie and Ken. In this film, women are depicted as being able to do anything in the Barbie world but not being free when entering the real world. In addition, there are also themes of sexual harassment and the struggle for equal rights in education and employment. In this film, women are also not presented merely as weak objects or in need of help from men. But on the contrary, Barbie and other female characters in this film are portrayed as heroes who are capable of overcoming various obstacles and achieving their own dreams. This study found that, out of 5 informants, 1 informant was categorized as Dominant-Hegemonic Position, 2 informants were categorized as Negotiated Position, and 2 informants were categorized as Oppositional Position.
Research Novelty: This research focuses on the gender inequality present in the Barbie movie using Reception Theory.
Keywords: Barbie, Gender Inequality, Reception Theory, Stuart Hall
