Gender (In)equality in English Textbooks in the Philippines: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

Using critical discourse analysis, this study examines the representations of gender relations in a popular English textbook series used in primary schools in the Philippines, which is a highly-ranked country in global gender equality indices. It seeks to analyse the persistence of gender inequality in textbooks in a context that is fairly favourable for the promotion of gender equality. The findings indicate that overall gender inequality remains in favour of males. The persistence of male dominance overall despite demonstrable pro-women proclivities of the authors/editors may be a reflection of the enduring gender gap in the country, particularly in economic and political spheres. The implications are rather sobering. If achieving gender equality remains a challenge even among the highly-ranked countries like the Philippines, how much more is the case for over a hundred of lower-ranked countries?