Gender representations in the 1st grade Arabic language textbook (edition 11)‎

Abstract EN

This study investigates the possible presence of linguistic sexism in the 1st grade Arabic language textbook, edition 11, first published in 1980 and widely promoted on various social media platforms.

a systematic analysis within the framework of transitivity system of functional grammar developed by halliday (1994) was conducted.

the process types of transitivity confirm that the textbook displayed noticeable gender bias in favor of men over women in terms of visibility, dynamism, and lexical choices.

the results of this study were reached through the cline of dynamism, developed by Hasan (1985), which shows females as less dynamic when compared to males, especially in material processes.

a stereotypical view of gender role representation was also present; for instance, men were portrayed as hard workers in the public sphere in contrast to women, who were portrayed as restricted to the private sphere performing domestic chores.

the study indicates that this particular textbook is not appropriate because it could be used to reinforce gender ideology and power.

an equal and fair representation of males and females in a way that reflects the modern changes in the saudi community is recommended due to the importance of school textbooks in shaping values and attitudes, especially among young children, through the involvement of females in reviewing and designing school curriculums.