Gender Representation in NCERT English Language Textbooks at the Middle School Level

Abstract

Textbooks are not only instructional materials but also cultural instruments that shape learners’ perceptions, values, and social identities. In the context of language education, especially in English, textbooks play a significant role in transmitting ideologies through text and imagery. This study critically investigates gender representation in English language textbooks published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for middle school students (Classes VI to VIII), specifically ‘Honeysuckle’, ‘Honeycomb’, and ‘Honeydew’. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes thematic content analysis to examine both textual and visual elements within the textbooks. The analysis is organized into five key themes: Author, Gender Representation through Animals, Occupation, Role Models, and Visual Representation. Findings reveal notable disparities in the frequency, roles, and contexts in which male and female characters are depicted. Males are often portrayed in active, leadership, and professional roles, while females appear less frequently and are typically assigned passive or domestic roles. Furthermore, the study highlights the complete absence of transgender representation across all three textbooks, reinforcing a binary and exclusionary view of gender. The research concludes that as student progress through grades, textbooks increasingly reinforce traditional gender roles, limiting inclusive and diverse representations.