Gender Representation in Bangladeshi Textbooks: A Critical Content Analysis on English for Today

Abstract

This study investigated gender representation in Bangladeshi English language textbooks, in the series English for Today. It examined relative frequency of pronouns, proper nouns, gender-specific common nouns, firstness and main characters, as well as language describing activities and occupations of different genders through content analysis. Findings revealed equal gender appearance in frequency count, however, significant gender biases are prevalent in activities and occupational roles of genders. The role of the characters was often described in ways that matched patriarchal values. LGBTQIA and non-binary characters did not appear. These results indicate that, while there are some positive trends, students in Bangladesh continue to encounter problematic gender patterns in their English language textbooks.