GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Toy Industry Statistics

The toy industry has seen limited diversity, with women and people of color underrepresented in leadership roles and as characters in products.

Highlights: Diversity In The Toy Industry Statistics

  • African American representation on Barbie's Trial Lawyer doll, released in 2020, was approximately 26%, with 37% representation on the Neurosurgeon doll.
  • Just under 50% of Barbie dolls sold globally in 2019 were diverse variants.
  • In 2020, LEGO announced a $4 million pledge over three years to organizations supporting Black children and to educate about racial equality.
  • Hasbro revealed in 2020 that 45% of its current U.S. workforce identifies as non-white.
  • LEGO increased its senior leadership diversity by 22.5% from 2017 to 2020.
  • Fisher Price launched a line of eight dolls with varying skin tones and hair textures in 2020.
  • According to the ToyLikeMe campaign in 2015, of the approximated 1 billion+ mini-figures produced by Lego, less than 0.01% represented disability.
  • In 2019, Mattel reported four of its 10 best-selling Barbie dolls around the world had diverse backgrounds.
  • According to a 2017 study, only 28% of speaking characters in animated children’s television are female.
  • In 2019, 51% of UK parents agreed there's a lack of diversity in toys according to a survey by Mattel.
  • Mattel agreed to work with ToyLikeMe in 2015 to create a wheelchair-using character in its Playmobil toy line.
  • In 2020, Barbie's Fashionistas line featured more than 170 diverse dolls, with 9 body types, 35 skin tones, and 94 hairstyles.
  • LEGO released its first minifigure in a wheelchair in 2016.
  • According to a survey in 2020, 8 out of 10 kids preferred playing with toys that resemble them.
  • In 2020, Hasbro published its first Global Diversity & Inclusion report.
  • American Girl dolls' Girl of the Year 2021 is bilingual, practices gymnastics and folklorico dance, and is the first doll from the line set with a story rooted in Mexican culture.
  • In 2017, Lottie Dolls, a line of ethnically and ability diverse dolls, saw a 210% increase in sales.
  • In 2020, Barbie-maker Mattel launched a new line of dolls without defined racial features to represent the global community.

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The Latest Diversity In The Toy Industry Statistics Explained

African American representation on Barbie’s Trial Lawyer doll, released in 2020, was approximately 26%, with 37% representation on the Neurosurgeon doll.

The statistic provided indicates the percentage of African American representation on two Barbie dolls released in 2020: Barbie’s Trial Lawyer and Barbie’s Neurosurgeon. Specifically, approximately 26% of the Trial Lawyer dolls featured African American representation, while 37% of the Neurosurgeon dolls did. This data highlights the diversity in representation across different professions within the Barbie doll line, showing a higher percentage of African American representation on the Neurosurgeon doll compared to the Trial Lawyer doll. The statistic sheds light on the efforts made by toy companies, like Mattel, to create a more inclusive and diverse range of dolls that reflect society’s demographics and provide children with diverse role models to play with.

Just under 50% of Barbie dolls sold globally in 2019 were diverse variants.

The statistic ‘Just under 50% of Barbie dolls sold globally in 2019 were diverse variants’ indicates that close to half of all Barbie dolls sold worldwide in 2019 belonged to diverse collections, which likely featured dolls representing various ethnicities, body types, and abilities. This statistic suggests a significant shift in the toy industry towards inclusivity and representation, reflecting a trend towards promoting diversity and inclusivity among children’s toys. Barbie’s efforts to offer a more diverse range of dolls can have a positive impact on children’s self-esteem and perceptions of beauty, as well as promote cultural awareness and acceptance.

In 2020, LEGO announced a $4 million pledge over three years to organizations supporting Black children and to educate about racial equality.

The statistic presents the commitment made by LEGO in 2020 to allocate $4 million over a period of three years to support organizations focused on empowering Black children and promoting education about racial equality. This initiative signifies LEGO’s acknowledgment of the importance of addressing issues related to racial inequality and systemic barriers that impact Black communities. By making this pledge, LEGO aims to contribute to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society by investing in initiatives that aim to uplift and empower Black children and educate about the importance of racial equality. This statistic highlights LEGO’s proactive efforts to actively engage in social responsibility and work towards creating a more just and equitable future for all individuals, particularly Black children.

Hasbro revealed in 2020 that 45% of its current U.S. workforce identifies as non-white.

The statistic presented by Hasbro in 2020 indicating that 45% of its current U.S. workforce identifies as non-white provides insight into the diversity within the company’s employees. This percentage suggests that nearly half of Hasbro’s workforce is comprised of individuals from racial or ethnic backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in many corporate settings. The statistic highlights Hasbro’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, which can contribute to a variety of perspectives and experiences within the organization. By sharing this statistic, Hasbro communicates its efforts towards building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the broader U.S. population.

LEGO increased its senior leadership diversity by 22.5% from 2017 to 2020.

The statistic indicates that the representation of diverse individuals in senior leadership roles at LEGO grew by 22.5% between 2017 and 2020. This implies a significant improvement in the diversity of senior executives within the company over the specified time frame. The percentage increase highlights a proactive effort by LEGO to promote inclusivity and equality within its leadership ranks. It suggests that the organization has made deliberate strides in fostering a more diverse and representative leadership team, which can bring a wider range of perspectives and experiences to decision-making processes and potentially contribute to better overall performance and innovation within the company.

Fisher Price launched a line of eight dolls with varying skin tones and hair textures in 2020.

This statistic describes an action taken by the toy company Fisher Price in 2020, wherein they introduced a new line of dolls consisting of eight different variations in skin tones and hair textures. This move is likely a response to growing calls for increased diversity and representation in toys and media, aimed at better reflecting the wide range of appearances and identities in society. By offering dolls with a diverse array of features, Fisher Price is not only providing children with more options for play and imaginative storytelling but also promoting inclusivity and positive representation, potentially fostering greater acceptance and understanding among young audiences.

According to the ToyLikeMe campaign in 2015, of the approximated 1 billion+ mini-figures produced by Lego, less than 0.01% represented disability.

The statistic from the ToyLikeMe campaign in 2015 highlights a concerning lack of representation of disability among Lego mini-figures. With over 1 billion mini-figures produced by Lego, it is striking to note that less than 0.01% of these figures portrayed individuals with disabilities. This stark disparity indicates a significant underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities in the Lego product line, potentially limiting the opportunities for children to engage with and learn about diversity and inclusivity through their play experiences. It underscores the importance of promoting more inclusive representation in toy manufacturing to better reflect the diversity of individuals in society.

In 2019, Mattel reported four of its 10 best-selling Barbie dolls around the world had diverse backgrounds.

The statistic “In 2019, Mattel reported four of its 10 best-selling Barbie dolls around the world had diverse backgrounds” indicates that a notable proportion of Barbie dolls sold by the company that year featured diverse ethnicities or cultural backgrounds. This suggests a deliberate effort by Mattel to increase representation and inclusivity within its product line, potentially reflecting a response to shifting societal norms and demands for greater diversity in the toy industry. By incorporating diverse backgrounds into their best-selling Barbie dolls, Mattel may be aiming to appeal to a wider range of consumers and promote positive messages of diversity and inclusivity to children.

According to a 2017 study, only 28% of speaking characters in animated children’s television are female.

This statistic indicates that there is a significant gender disparity in the representation of speaking characters in animated children’s television shows, with only 28% of the characters being female. This means that male characters are overrepresented compared to their female counterparts in these programs. The underrepresentation of female characters in children’s TV shows can have implications for the portrayal of gender roles and stereotypes, as well as the opportunities for young girls to see themselves represented on screen. It highlights the importance of promoting more diverse and equal representation in media content aimed at children to provide a more balanced and inclusive viewing experience.

In 2019, 51% of UK parents agreed there’s a lack of diversity in toys according to a survey by Mattel.

The statistic reveals that in 2019, a significant majority of parents in the UK, specifically 51%, expressed agreement with the notion that there is a lack of diversity in toys. This information was derived from a survey conducted by the toy company Mattel. The finding suggests that a considerable portion of parents perceive a dearth of diversity in the types of toys available for children in the UK market. This indicates a potential desire for more inclusivity and representation in toy options, which could have implications for the toy industry in terms of product development and marketing strategies.

Mattel agreed to work with ToyLikeMe in 2015 to create a wheelchair-using character in its Playmobil toy line.

The statistic indicates that in 2015, the toy company Mattel collaborated with ToyLikeMe, an organization advocating for diversity and representation in toys, to introduce a character in its Playmobil toy line that uses a wheelchair. This partnership highlights Mattel’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in its products by portraying individuals with disabilities in a positive and empowering way. By creating a representation of a wheelchair-using character, Mattel and ToyLikeMe aim to ensure that children of all abilities see themselves reflected in the toys they play with, fostering a more inclusive and accepting society.

In 2020, Barbie’s Fashionistas line featured more than 170 diverse dolls, with 9 body types, 35 skin tones, and 94 hairstyles.

In 2020, Barbie’s Fashionistas line showcased an impressive level of diversity with over 170 dolls that represented a wide array of body types, skin tones, and hairstyles. The inclusion of 9 different body types, 35 distinct skin tones, and 94 unique hairstyles demonstrates Barbie’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity among children and collectors alike. This statistic not only reflects the increasing importance of diversity and representation in the toy industry but also serves as a positive influence in encouraging children to embrace and appreciate differences in physical appearances.

LEGO released its first minifigure in a wheelchair in 2016.

The statistic “LEGO released its first minifigure in a wheelchair in 2016” signifies an important step taken by the popular toy company towards inclusivity and representation. Prior to 2016, LEGO had faced criticism for the lack of diverse representation in its products. The inclusion of a minifigure in a wheelchair not only reflects a recognition of the diverse abilities and experiences of individuals in society but also promotes a more inclusive play environment for children. This move by LEGO represents a positive shift in the toy industry towards more diversity and representation of marginalized groups, contributing to broader societal discussions on inclusivity and accessibility.

According to a survey in 2020, 8 out of 10 kids preferred playing with toys that resemble them.

The statistic “According to a survey in 2020, 8 out of 10 kids preferred playing with toys that resemble them” suggests that a significant majority of children have a preference for playing with toys that bear some resemblance to their own physical features or characteristics. This finding highlights the importance of representation and inclusivity in toy design, as children may derive greater enjoyment and engagement from playing with toys that reflect their own identities. By understanding and catering to children’s preferences for toys that resemble them, toy manufacturers and marketers can ensure that their products resonate with a diverse range of young consumers, potentially leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.

In 2020, Hasbro published its first Global Diversity & Inclusion report.

The statistic “In 2020, Hasbro published its first Global Diversity & Inclusion report” indicates that the company Hasbro, a well-known toy and entertainment company, made a significant step in promoting diversity and inclusion within its organization. By releasing a formal report dedicated to these important issues, Hasbro is demonstrating its commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture. This action suggests that the company is recognizing the value of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation, creativity, and overall business success, while also holding itself accountable to its stakeholders in terms of progress in these areas. The publication of such a report is a positive indication of Hasbro’s efforts to prioritize diversity and inclusion as integral components of its company values and operations.

American Girl dolls’ Girl of the Year 2021 is bilingual, practices gymnastics and folklorico dance, and is the first doll from the line set with a story rooted in Mexican culture.

The statistic highlights the characteristics of the American Girl doll designated as the Girl of the Year for 2021, emphasizing her bilingual capabilities, practice of gymnastics and folklorico dance, as well as her storyline being rooted in Mexican culture. This particular doll represents a step towards increased diversity and inclusion within the American Girl brand, as she shines a spotlight on Mexican heritage and traditions. By showcasing these elements through the doll’s attributes and backstory, American Girl is not only celebrating and promoting multiculturalism but also providing young girls with a representative and educational play experience that fosters awareness and appreciation for different cultures.

In 2017, Lottie Dolls, a line of ethnically and ability diverse dolls, saw a 210% increase in sales.

The statistic ‘ In 2017, Lottie Dolls, a line of ethnically and ability diverse dolls, saw a 210% increase in sales’ indicates that in the year 2017, Lottie Dolls experienced a significant growth in their sales compared to the previous period. Specifically, the sales of Lottie Dolls more than tripled, showing a 210% increase. This substantial increase suggests that there was a strong demand for the ethnically and ability diverse dolls offered by Lottie Dolls in 2017, potentially indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards more inclusive and diverse toy options. This statistic highlights the successful performance of Lottie Dolls in expanding its market share and catering to a more diverse customer base.

In 2020, Barbie-maker Mattel launched a new line of dolls without defined racial features to represent the global community.

The statistic that in 2020 Barbie-maker Mattel launched a new line of dolls without defined racial features to represent the global community indicates a strategic shift towards inclusivity and diversity in their product offerings. By creating dolls with ambiguous racial characteristics, Mattel aims to provide children from various backgrounds with a toy that allows for imaginative play and representation without limiting the doll to a specific racial identity. This move reflects a recognition of the importance of diversity and representation in the toy industry, acknowledging the diverse global community and promoting inclusivity among children and families of different races and ethnicities.

References

0. – https://www.www.americascores.org

1. – https://www.www.fisher-price.com

2. – https://www.www.commonsensemedia.org

3. – https://www.www.theguardian.com

4. – https://www.edition.cnn.com

5. – https://www.www.lego.com

6. – https://www.www.hasbro.com

7. – https://www.www.cbsnews.com

8. – https://www.news.mattel.com

9. – https://www.www.independent.co.uk

10. – https://www.csr.hasbro.com

11. – https://www.toybook.com

12. – https://www.www.lottie.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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