그림책에 표현된 등장인물의 성별정체성 고찰

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the gender identities expressed in picture books. The subjects of analysis were 10 picture books featuring transgender people and 20 cisgender picture books. Of the 20 cisgender picture books, 10 are gender stereotype picture books that contain the image of conforming to traditional gender roles, and the remaining 10 are de-gender type picture books. For a qualitative understanding of the text, thematic analysis was conducted. According to the results of the study, the process of recognizing one’s gender identities was embodied in picture books featuring transgender people. The transgender protagonist ambivalently experiences the fear of revealing gender identities and the desperation to reveal oneself in conflicts with others. On the other hand, the male characters in the gender typology picture books required psychosocial characteristics such as competitive spirit, adventurous spirit, and confidence, while the female characters emphasized warmth, patience, and cooperation. The picture book containing the image of desexualization expresses that the difference of sex and gender is not defined, and that the value of oneself is formed subjectively as a human being. This study examines how gender identities is dealt with in picture books for children in a time when respect for diversity is emphasized. Considering the impact of the issue of gender identities on children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development through the medium of picture books, this study is expected to contribute to starting an academic discourse on this issue.