Gender Socialization and Representation in English Language Textbooks

Seminar paper from the year 2014 in the subject American Studies - Linguistics, grade: M.Phil, University of Sindh (English Language and Literature), course: Applied Linguistics, language: English, abstract: Language is fundamentally considered the most powerful tool for developing, moulding, and influencing human attitude and behaviour. Generally, in an academic setting, and particularly in the practice of English Language Teaching (ELT) in Pakistan, a textbook is of vital importance. It conveys explicit and implicit ideology/message at all levels of social interaction affecting communication. In view of gender discrimination, there has not been equal treatment of male and female characters portrayed in a variety of textbooks. Recently, there has been growing interest by the researchers in careful textbook selection and materials development for English Language Teaching in Pakistan.

Over the years, textbooks in Pakistan have consistently shown a strong tendency to promote a biased mindset regarding discrimination. However, in the wake of rising crimes against women, there has been a noticeable increase in the state rhetoric regarding women¿s rights and empowerment in the economic, social, and political spheres (Dawn July, 27th, 2005). The Department of English University of Sindh, Jamshoro has introduced a new English course book English for undergraduates published by Oxford University Press (OUP) 2004, for the graduates of all academic departments/institutes. In view of this perspective, it seems to be appropriate to examine the role of women being depicted by the authors and publishers in a variety of textbooks.