Gender Stereotypes in School Textbooks, a norm

The absence of contemporary female achievers in politics, science, sports, and the arts suggests that leadership and authority are male traits, while nurturing roles are female.

A study conducted by Population First highlights that school textbooks often perpetuate sexism and gender stereotypes. Gender bias in textbooks manifests in subtle ways. It can be seen across lessons, readings, illustrations, and exercises. For instance, in one textbook, the section on achievers features only men.

An article about Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, written by his wife Sudha Murthy, fails to acknowledge her significant achievements as a writer and philanthropist. Women are often portrayed as mothers, caregivers, or supporters, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Textbook covers provide further evidence of this bias. While showcasing freedom fighters and achievers, women are often underrepresented, with only a few iconic figures like Indira Gandhi or Sarojini Naidu appearing. This reinforces the notion that women leaders are exceptions, not the norm.

In STEM fields, the underrepresentation of women in textbooks discourages girls from pursuing careers in these areas and perpetuates the stereotype that intellectual ability is inherently male. There is a critical need for greater visibility of girls and women in science and math textbooks to challenge these norms.