Sexism in Basal Readers: An Analysis of Male Main Characters

Abstract

Abstract Sex-role stereotyping of female characters in basal reading textbooks has been documented when characters lack qualities such as assertiveness, a traditionally male trait. Providing an alternative test of sexism, this study determined if positive female traits, such as nurturing, were attributed to male main characters in current readers. Male positive, male negative, female positive and female negative traits were tabulated for both favorably and unfavorably depicted characters. Total frequencies, mean frequencies and mean percentages were computed. The analyses indicated that, although classically positive female traits appeared in the male characters, the overall composite and, to a lesser degree, depiction of individual characters were dominated by male-linked virtues such as independence and a willingness to take risks.