Science Textbook Images and the Reproduction of Sexual Divisions in Society

Abstract

A growing number of science educators have been concerned to reduce sexism found in science textbooks in an attempt to change the inbalance between the sexes in science education. Work in the area is briefly reviewed. While there is general agreement about the extent of the sexism to be found in science textbooks, there is some confusion as to the best method of changing it. An analytic framework for the clarification of the problem and possible affirmative action is proposed.