Gender in the Modern Picture Book : A quantitative analysis of content in picture books published in the year of 2000

The purpose of this Masters thesis is to examine how gender patterns are described in the modern picture book. Focus is on the description of men and women and their emotions and living conditions. Do the descriptions follow stereotypes in the form of binary opposites strong/weak, active/passive etc. in which one component of the pair, often associated with masculinity, is privileged or are there examples of breach of normative gender? The analysis is based upon forty of 149 picture books that are presented in a children's book catalogue published by The Swedish National Council for Cultural Affairs Statens kulturråd, in the year of 2000. The examined books are, unlike the others, presented with a picture and a short description. The method is based upon quantitative analysis of content in the picture books. The theoretical framework is based on a gender theoretical perspective and the ideas about gender construction where the diversion between male and female is crucial. The result of the study revealed that stereotypes are common in these books and also that the main characters are dominated by men. The conclusion of the study shows breach of gender norms in the description of emotions. For example the books of the year 2000 contain many scared, anxious boys and angry, rebellious girls. The descriptions of adults are more static and stereotyped than those of children. Men are dominating in descriptions of professional life while women dominate in descriptions of domestic life. Finally, many of the authors of the examined books deliberately challenge traditional gender roles. Many characters experience a change, from a life stuck in conventional roles to a happier, independent life, free from stereotype behaviour.Uppsatsnivå: