The Entwined Economic and Cultural Issues in the Production of Barbie in Taiwan, Taishan

Abstract

Barbie Doll is regarded as one of the most important design labels representing the twentieth century. Up until today, it is estimated that around 100 million Barbie dolls have been sold in 150 countries around the world. In 1967, the manufacturer of Barbie, Mattel Inc., set up a joint venture establishment, the Meining factory in Taishan Township, Taipei County. However, Mattel shut down the Meining factory in 1987 due to rising labor costs, the development of the local economy suddenly lost its basis. In 1998, the township council imported the concept and practices of community building and employed the industry of doll culture as a program to enhance the local economy. This way, not only has Taishan Township brought about new business opportunities, many of the women participating in community development can hopefully improve their self-empowerment. This paper reviewed the development history of industries in Taishan Township from the perspective of globalization theories, aimed to analyze the difficulties of local industrial upgrades from the perspective of economic geography, and examine the effects of industrial promotion strategies in community building. Lastly, this paper aimed to explore opportunities for the empowerment of women in the community. It hoped to clarify the issues of industrial upgrading, community building, and women's empowerment regarding local industry development history, and reestablish the relationship between economic development and cultural experience.