Gender Equality in English Language Textbook

Abstract

This research study seeks to evaluate the (PTB) English language textbook of grade 10^thto see the extent to which it has incorporated the theme of gender equality.  The analysis has been done through content analysis of the textbook units and exercises. The analysis reveals that women have been underrepresented in the textbook. The female characters appear in the book only twice, whereas the male characters are not only more frequently found in the main content, but the frequency of male nouns and pronouns is also higher in the activities. The boys are found playing different games such as football, basketball, tennis, cricket, and video games, whereas females are mostly found studying, doing homework, appearing in exams, or working on a class project. Girls are found to be busy in mostly indoor activities such as studying, doing homework, painting, reading stories, or watching movies and television. Boys, on the other hand, are found doing various outdoor tasks such as gardening, going to the market, traveling, and playing outdoor games. The roles and attributes associated with the male and female characters are affected by the stereotypes in society. The research is an attempt to see how far the textbook is achieving SDG 4.7. This research can be useful for the textbook authors, and curriculum designers to consider the parameters of SDG 4.7 while planning the content.