Analyzing Gender Inequality and Stereotypes in Foreign-Sourced ELT Textbooks at an Indonesian School: A Mixed-Methods Content Analysis

Authors

  • Sanditya Jati Swara Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana
  • Joseph Ernest Mambu Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29408/veles.v8i1.25344

Keywords:

gender stereotypes, ELT textbook

Abstract

This study investigates gender stereotypes in two ELT textbooks, "My Pals Are Here! English 1A" and "My Pals Are Here! English 2A," used at a school in Indonesia. Through content analysis, the study assesses the visual representations in these textbooks to identify gender stereotypes. A semi-structured interview was conducted with a teacher who uses these textbooks, focusing on her perceptions of gender-related issues. The findings reveal persistent gender inequality and stereotypes, with the textbooks frequently assigning unequal household roles and associating specific jobs with specific genders. Men are predominantly depicted in physically demanding roles, such as firefighters, farmers, astronauts, and pilots. In contrast, women are portrayed in roles that are suggested to require patience and perseverance, such as teachers, hairdressers, and nurses. The interview with the teacher indicated an awareness of gender equality issues; however, this awareness was not actively integrated into her teaching practices. This study highlights the need for more equitable gender representations in educational materials.

Author Biographies

Sanditya Jati Swara, Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana

Sanditya Jati Swara holds an M.Pd. in English Language Education from Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, Salatiga, which he completed in 2024. His research interests include gender, English language teaching, and critical pedagogy.

Joseph Ernest Mambu, Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana

Joseph Ernest Mambu earned his Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Arizona State University, the United States, in 2014 with the Fulbright-DIKTI scholarship. He is now Professor of English Language (and Literature) Education at the Faculty of Language and Arts, Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, in Salatiga, Central Java, Indonesia. His works on critical pedagogies in language teaching and learning have appeared in TEFLIN Journal, The Journal of Asia TEFL, TESOL Journal (Wiley) and Critical Inquiry in Language Studies (Routledge), among others.

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Published

2024-04-29

How to Cite

Swara, S. J., & Mambu, J. E. (2024). Analyzing Gender Inequality and Stereotypes in Foreign-Sourced ELT Textbooks at an Indonesian School: A Mixed-Methods Content Analysis. Voices of English Language Education Society, 8(1), 230–240. https://doi.org/10.29408/veles.v8i1.25344

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2024): April 2024

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Sanditya Jati Swara, Joseph Ernest Mambu

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