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Sexist textbooks: Automated analysis of gender bias in 1,255 books from 34 countries

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  • Lee Crawfurd
  • Christelle Saintis-Miller
  • Rory Todd

Abstract

Textbooks play a critical role in schooling around the world. Small sample studies show that many books continue to under-represent women and girls, and to portray men and women in stereotypical gendered roles. In this paper, we use quantitative text analysis to assess the degree of gender bias in a newly assembled corpus of 1,255 English language school textbooks from 34 countries that are publicly available online. We find consistent patterns of under-representation of female characters and portrayal of stereotypical gendered roles. Women and girls appear less frequently, are portrayed as more passive, are less likely to be associated with work or achievement, and are more likely to be associated with the home and traditionally female occupations. Comparing across countries, female representation in books is correlated with higher GDP and more legal rights for women. Under-representation and stereotypes are a particular problem in South Asia.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee Crawfurd & Christelle Saintis-Miller & Rory Todd, 2024. "Sexist textbooks: Automated analysis of gender bias in 1,255 books from 34 countries," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(10), pages 1-27, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0310366
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310366
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    1. Kumaran A/L Balasundram & Mazura Mastura Muhammad & Jesilin Manjula & Mohamed Tahir Hj A Rahman, 2025. "Gender Representation in Malaysian Textbooks and Assessment: A Bibliometric Analysis," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 2152-2163, September.

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