In his work, Alvin Toffler uses the Barbie doll as a symbol to illustrate the concept of transience in our society1. He discusses how the Barbie doll, a popular and well-known toy, has evolved over time with new models being introduced regularly1. This constant change and the willingness of consumers to replace their old dolls with new ones reflect the increasing temporariness of man’s relationship with objects1.
Toffler argues that this shift towards temporary relationships with objects is a characteristic of the “super-industrial society” he envisions1. He suggests that this transience accelerates the pace of life and impacts our psychological experiences1. The Barbie doll, with its continual updates and improvements, serves as a tangible example of this trend1.
In essence, Toffler uses the Barbie doll to help readers understand and relate to his abstract ideas about societal change and the evolving nature of our interactions with the physical world1.
