Gender Representation in EFL Textbooks in Saudi Arabia: A Fair Deal?


  •  Amjjad Sulaimani    

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.



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