Doll

Object Lessons is a series of short books that explore the hidden lives of ordinary things, such as dolls, and how they shape the women we become. Dolls are often used to teach mothering to young girls, but they also reinforce dominant patriarchal, heteronormative, and white views about class, bodies, history, and celebrity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Object Lessons is a captivating series of short books that delves into the enigmatic realms of everyday objects, unveiling their hidden lives and profound significance. While the haunted doll has long been a staple in the horror genre, it holds a kernel of truth that resonates with us. Dolls, more than mere playthings, possess a powerful essence—they are vessels of our aspirations and dreams. Often used as a tool to impart mothering skills to young girls, dolls also serve as avatars of the idealized feminine self, embodying qualities such as beauty, nurturing, and femininity. The term "doll" itself carries a connotation of allure and desirability, often used to describe a captivating woman. However, it goes beyond mere aesthetics; dolls wield a subtle influence, shaping the aspirations and beliefs of young girls. They perpetuate dominant patriarchal, heteronormative, and white views about class, bodies, history, and celebrity, insidiously reinforcing these ideologies through their portrayal and narratives. In contrast to boys' action figures, which represent masculinity, authority, warfare, and conflict, dolls occupy a distinct space. They represent femininity, nurturing, and vulnerability, offering girls a different avenue to explore and express themselves. By examining dolls across different eras, from 17th-century Japanese Hinamatsuri festivals to the '80s American Girl Dolls and even contemporary bitmoji, the book "Doll" unveils the profound impact that these objects have on shaping the women we become. Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, the author sheds light on the societal messages conveyed through dolls and the ways in which they contribute to the perpetuation of gender stereotypes and norms. Object Lessons is a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of the hidden world of objects, offering a fresh perspective on the role they play in shaping our lives and societies. This captivating series is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic, making it accessible to a wider audience and fostering meaningful conversations about the power of objects and their impact on our identities.

Dimension: 165 x 121 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501380860