The construction of gender occupations in Mexico: Government issued elementary textbooks

Anna Valeria Haro, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

Historically, gender occupational stereotyping has mainly affected women across numerous social areas. Given that political socialization plays a key role in the classroom, analyzing the gendered language and images in textbooks can help determine social expectations and the efficacy of gendered policies. Previous works suggest that elementary textbooks (through gendered words and images) structure children's perceptions of women's and men's occupations. In addition, much work remains with respect to exploring how such depictions may contribute to the gendered stereotyping that continues to permeate across certain Mexican communities, specifically in the private and public sphere. To fill this gap, I conduct a critical analysis of elementary textbooks from Mexico's Public Education Secretariat Department to test the effects of gendered stereotyping in learning materials. I argue that by addressing and eradicating gendered stereotyping in children's textbooks, policy makers and practitioners may help address many of the social challenges related to gender inequality in Mexico.

Subject Area

Educational evaluation|Education Policy|Elementary education|Ethnic studies|Gender studies

Recommended Citation

Haro, Anna Valeria, "The construction of gender occupations in Mexico: Government issued elementary textbooks" (2013). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1539945.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1539945

Share

COinS