Title: Language and Gender: Sexism in Senior High English Textbooks
Authors: Nathania Dallen Erwinneiah L. Aquino, Louie Paolo S. Carlos, Kathrine S. Lacson, Micaela M. Soliman, Jasmine Nicole G. Tabuan, Myla L. Isip
Volume: 9
Issue: 7
Pages: 77-88
Publication Date: 2025/07/28
Abstract:
People unconsciously use sexist language, manifested in English textbooks used by the learners. Because of this, the researchers became interested in doing a study about the issue. This study aims to identify and examine sexism in the current senior high school English textbooks used by Pulung Santol High School students. Two available English textbooks were used to identify the extent of sexism in their content. The textbooks used are published by the Department of Education in the Philippines. Each book was investigated thoroughly for sexism using the five aspects (visibility, firstness, masculine generic construction, activity, and occupation).Content analysis is employed to collect, analyze, and interpret data. The findings of the study showed that gender biases, gender stereotypes, and unfair gender representation still exist in both textbooks. Male did dominate all the five aspects. A gender-inclusive language framework has been created and proposed based on the results of the study to produce a non-sexist English textbook.