Analysis of English Language Teaching Materials on Gender Representation

Abstract

This study was conducted to show how two ELT textbooks accommodate gender in their contents and if there is any types of gender bias in the textbooks. The method of this study was descriptive qualitative method which was used to describe a phenomenon and its characteristics. The data was collected by using content analysis that was supported by descriptive quantitative data. The content analysis was conducted to analyze written text and photographs in the two EFL textbooks published by The Ministry of Education And Culture of the Republic of Indonesia and Erlangga publisher. The analysis was based on five categories, namely, visibility, firstness, masculine/feminine generic construction, occupation, and activities related to gender. The findings of study showed that gender biases still exist in both textbooks. The types of bias found were stereotyping, linguistic bias, imbalance and selectivity, cosmetic bias, and fragmentation and isolation. The latest types was only found in Pathway To English 1. The result of this study was expected to help the materials designer, author, teacher, and students to have a better understanding about gender representation of the book currently used in Lombok, and to be more aware of gender bias issues in ELT textbook.