Understanding heteronormativity in ELT textbooks: a practical taxonomy

Abstract

Abstract Heteronormativity is a form of oppressive ideology in which heterosexuality is assumed to be the normal, and often only, pattern of human romantic relationships. In the ELT classroom it can be damaging to students who fall outside of heterosexuality’s narrow confines and impoverishes learning for all students. In this article, I argue that heteronormativity’s persistence in ELT textbooks is a product of its various forms, some more insidious than others, and companies pandering to conservative markets in an increasingly homogeneous, globalized publishing economy. Worse, attempts to counter heteronormativity using essentialized representations of non-heterosexual groups may ultimately perpetuate it. Building on the work of others who have examined its manifestation in ELT textbooks, I present a taxonomy of five different forms of representational heteronormativity. I argue that this taxonomy can be used by materials writers, curriculum planners, and classroom teachers to guide their practice away from heteronormativity, towards more critically inclusive materials.