Introduction
Education is often hailed as a powerful tool for achieving gender equality, yet many of the materials used in classrooms are embedded with gender biases that contradict this ideal. Textbooks, as central learning resources, are particularly influential in shaping children’s perceptions of themselves and others.
This blog post examines the presence of gender bias in textbooks, its impacts on students, and ways to create more equitable educational materials. By highlighting examples from global and Indian contexts, we aim to promote critical awareness and reform in curriculum design and textbook publication.
What Is Gender Bias in Textbooks?
Gender bias in textbooks refers to the unequal representation of genders, the reinforcement of traditional roles, and the subtle or overt promotion of stereotypes in educational content. This bias can be found in:
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Language and grammar
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Illustrations
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Character roles
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Career depictions
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Narratives and storylines
Textbooks, often regarded as objective and neutral, can actually play a major role in shaping gender identities and social expectations from a very young age.
Common Forms of Gender Bias in Textbooks
1. Underrepresentation of Women
Women and girls are often absent or minimally represented in textbooks.
Example:
A study of Indian textbooks found that male characters outnumber female characters by 6:1. In science books, fewer than 10% of the depicted professionals were women.
Impact:
This underrepresentation subtly signals that women are less important or less capable in public, intellectual, or professional spheres.
2. Stereotypical Gender Roles
Characters are frequently shown engaging in traditional, gendered activities.
| Gender | Common Depictions in Textbooks |
|---|---|
| Women/Girls | Cooking, cleaning, caring for family |
| Men/Boys | Working, leading, studying science |
Impact:
These repeated depictions condition students to believe that certain roles or professions are “natural” for one gender, limiting their aspirations and choices.
3. Gendered Language Use
Language in textbooks often defaults to the male as the norm:
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Use of “he” or “man” to represent all humans
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Titles like “Chairman,” “Policeman,” “Salesman”
Impact:
This reinforces the idea that men are the default in public life and leadership roles.
Solution:
Use gender-neutral terms like “chairperson,” “police officer,” or “salesperson.”
4. Career Depictions and Occupational Bias
Male characters are shown as doctors, engineers, or scientists, while female characters are nurses, teachers, or homemakers.
Example:
A 2022 NCERT content analysis revealed that out of 100 illustrated professionals, only 12 were women—and they were primarily in teaching or caregiving roles.
Impact:
Such imagery influences children’s beliefs about what careers are acceptable or possible for them, based on gender.
5. Omission of Women’s Contributions
Historical narratives often highlight male achievements while ignoring or minimizing women’s roles in science, politics, or social movements.
Examples:
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Gandhi and Nehru featured prominently, while Kasturba Gandhi or Sarojini Naidu receive only passing mentions.
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Women scientists like Janaki Ammal or Asima Chatterjee are rarely acknowledged.
Impact:
This creates a distorted historical understanding and perpetuates the myth that men alone shaped the world.
6. Visual Bias in Illustrations
Illustrations often show:
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Boys playing sports, building, or leading groups
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Girls serving food, cleaning, or passively observing
Impact:
These visual cues are powerful reinforcers of gender roles, especially in early childhood education.
Why Gender Bias in Textbooks Matters
1. Shapes Gender Identity and Self-Image
Children absorb messages from textbooks about what it means to be a “boy” or a “girl.” These messages influence how they see themselves and their capabilities.
2. Limits Educational and Career Aspirations
Girls may avoid science or math due to lack of role models or encouragement, while boys may avoid arts or caregiving roles for fear of being mocked.
3. Reinforces Societal Stereotypes
Schools are a microcosm of society. When textbooks mirror and normalize inequality, they perpetuate social hierarchies rather than challenge them.
4. Impacts Classroom Dynamics
Gender-biased materials contribute to:
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Unequal teacher-student interactions
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Lower expectations from girls in STEM
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Higher tolerance for boys’ disruptive behavior
Case Studies and Research Findings
India: NCERT and SCERT Textbooks
Studies have revealed that:
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Most textbook content reflects patriarchal norms
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Women’s contributions are often placed in sidebars or footnotes
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Visual representation heavily favors boys and men
Global: UNESCO & UNICEF Reports
According to a UNESCO report, in over 80% of analyzed textbooks across developing countries:
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Men were more likely to be shown in action
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Women were shown in passive, supportive roles
Bangladesh and Pakistan
Gender bias in textbooks remains a major barrier to female empowerment despite progressive education policies.
Strategies for Addressing Gender Bias in Textbooks
1. Gender Audit of Educational Materials
Conduct systematic reviews to:
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Count male vs female representation
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Assess language, roles, and themes
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Identify implicit biases
2. Incorporating Gender-Inclusive Content
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Highlight contributions of women in all fields
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Include stories with strong female protagonists
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Use equal representation in visuals and names
3. Training Curriculum Developers
Textbook writers, editors, and illustrators must undergo:
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Gender sensitivity training
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Exposure to inclusive language
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Awareness of unconscious biases
4. Promoting Gender-Neutral Language
Replace terms like “he” or “mankind” with:
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“They”
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“Humankind”
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Profession-specific neutral terms
5. Involving Women in Textbook Development
More female authors, historians, and educators should be part of textbook committees to bring diverse perspectives.
6. Policy-Level Interventions
Governments must:
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Mandate gender audits before textbook approval
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Align content with international gender equality goals (e.g., SDG 4 and SDG 5)
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Encourage gender-sensitive educational research
The Role of Teachers and Schools
Even if textbooks are biased, teachers can mediate their impact by:
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Highlighting alternative narratives
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Discussing stereotypes openly
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Using supplementary materials that are gender-inclusive
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Encouraging critical thinking about what is read and shown
Role of Parents and Society
Parents must:
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Expose children to diverse stories and positive gender role models
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Challenge stereotypes in daily conversations
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Encourage non-traditional interests, e.g., girls in coding or boys in dance
Society must:
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Question media and popular culture
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Promote gender-equal role models in films, TV, and books
Government and NGO Initiatives
India-Specific Examples:
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NCERT’s Gender Inclusion Guidelines for textbook development
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Kishori Shakti Yojana encourages girls’ education through inclusive materials
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Breakthrough India and Akshara Foundation work toward promoting gender equity in education
International Initiatives:
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UNESCO’s Gender Equality in Education Initiative
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UNICEF’s Life Skills Programs integrating gender-awareness into curriculum
Conclusion
Textbooks are not just tools for learning—they are tools for shaping society. If we want to build a world where boys and girls are equally empowered, we must start with the narratives we teach them.
Eliminating gender bias in textbooks is not only about representation; it’s about equipping every child to see themselves as capable, valued, and limitless in their potential.
Reforming educational materials is a crucial step toward achieving gender equity in classrooms and beyond.
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