The Construction Of Gender Occupations In Mexico: Government Issued Elementary Textbooks

Historically, gender occupational stereotyping has mainly affected women across numerous social areas. Given that political socialization plays a key role in the classroom, analyzing the gendered language and images in textbooks can help determine social expectations and the efficacy of gendered policies. Previous works suggest that elementary textbooks (through gendered words and images) structure children\u27s perceptions of women\u27s and men\u27s occupations. In addition, much work remains with respect to exploring how such depictions may contribute to the gendered stereotyping that continues to permeate across certain Mexican communities, specifically in the private and public sphere. To fill this gap, I conduct a critical analysis of elementary textbooks from Mexico\u27s Public Education Secretariat Department to test the effects of gendered stereotyping in learning materials. I argue that by addressing and eradicating gendered stereotyping in children\u27s textbooks, policy makers and practitioners may help address many of the social challenges related to gender inequality in Mexico