Not really related to fashion or even dressing up Barbie, so putting in off topic.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....girls-care

"The authors of the study report that whether girls played with “Doctor
Barbie” — decked out in a white coat and jeans with a sparkly applique —
or “Fashion Barbie” — dressed in a form-fitting minidress and high
heels — they were likely to judge themselves capable of plying, on
average, 1.5 fewer occupations than a boy could. Those who played with
Mrs. Potato Head foresaw basically the same range of career
opportunities as boys did."

Small sample size, but very interesting results.