Abstract
This study explores gender representation in an international English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbook that has been specifically adapted for the Saudi Arabian context. It aims to investigate gender frequencies in conversations in three dimensions: gender relations, subject positions, and contents. The quantitative data were analysed using critical discourse analysis (CDA) as a model. The results indicate that the textbook is biased in terms of gender. Women are underrepresented in the textbook. They have been totally excluded from half of the units in the textbook. Also, the equal relations between the two genders are limited to friendship. Although both genders are positioned in the same subjects and contents, women are less frequently characterised than men.
Highlights
Though steady steps have been taken to empower the position of women through the educational reform process in the educational system of Saudi Arabia, yet, gender stereotypes persist
This study explores gender representation in an international English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbook that has been adapted for the Saudi Arabian context
Al Jumiah (2016) conducted a study investigating how social power and identity based on gender and race were discursively represented at two high school EFL textbooks in Saudi Arabia
Summary
Though steady steps have been taken to empower the position of women through the educational reform process in the educational system of Saudi Arabia, yet, gender stereotypes persist. In a country like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the most powerful teaching technique is classroom lecturing (Bawazeer, 2015) As a result, this makes the teacher and the textbook the most influential source of information in the classroom. The place of EFL textbooks in Saudi Arabia should be emphasized, especially as textbooks are often viewed by Saudi learners as authoritative, and have the potential to influence them. To this end, the intent of this study is to investigate EFL textbooks in the context of Saudi Arabia. 2) Is there any difference between the roles played by males and females in these textbooks?
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