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An analysis of gender bias in Chinese primary school English textbooks
Author
Liu, Yu
Supervisor
Lubna Alsagoff
Abstract
This study investigates how gender bias manifests itself in a series of widely used primary school English textbooks in China, published by People’s Education Press (PEP), a subordinate institute of Ministry of Education of China. The research questions of this study are:
1. How is gender bias manifested in English language textbooks published in China as shown by visibility, male firstness and gender stereotyping?
a. To what extent are male characters more visible than female characters?
b. To what extent is male firstness more than female firstness?
c. To what extent are male characters and female characters portrayed in gender stereotyped roles?
Qualitative analysis will be adopted to analyze gender bias in the textbooks, supported by quantitative analysis. The findings reveal that male characters are more visible than female characters. In addition, the English language use of male firstnessis prevalent in this series of textbooks. Moreover, male characters are more likely to be associated with occupational roles, engaging in a wide range of occupations, and the occupations they get involved in are associated with high levels of education, status and prestige. In contrast, female characters tend to be portrayed in domestic roles, taking care of children and family. Additionally, they are also restricted to traditional female-oriented occupations, such as teacher, nurse and salesperson.
1. How is gender bias manifested in English language textbooks published in China as shown by visibility, male firstness and gender stereotyping?
a. To what extent are male characters more visible than female characters?
b. To what extent is male firstness more than female firstness?
c. To what extent are male characters and female characters portrayed in gender stereotyped roles?
Qualitative analysis will be adopted to analyze gender bias in the textbooks, supported by quantitative analysis. The findings reveal that male characters are more visible than female characters. In addition, the English language use of male firstnessis prevalent in this series of textbooks. Moreover, male characters are more likely to be associated with occupational roles, engaging in a wide range of occupations, and the occupations they get involved in are associated with high levels of education, status and prestige. In contrast, female characters tend to be portrayed in domestic roles, taking care of children and family. Additionally, they are also restricted to traditional female-oriented occupations, such as teacher, nurse and salesperson.
Date Issued
2016
Call Number
LB3045.66 Liu
Date Submitted
2016