This book is the result of a study that investigated the influence of "machismo" (a set of attitudes, beliefs, and behavior that perpetuates the myth of male superiority) in elementary education. The study included (1) a content analysis of textbooks used in Spanish and social studies classes in public and private schools in Puerto Rico and in bilingual programs in the mainland U.S., and (2) a survey of the attitudes and classroom practices of 128 elementary school teachers. The book is divided into five parts. First, the sexist and stereotype content of the basic reading series "Por el mundo del cuento y de la aventura" is reviewed. Second, social studies texts for grades 1-6 are analyzed with respect to their portrayal of sex roles and sex stereotypes at the family, community, and national levels. Third, evidence is presented as to the omission of women in the elementary school history curriculum and a new vision of history, which recognizes the contributions of women, is proposed. Fourth, the results of the survey on teachers' attitudes about, expectations of, and teaching behavior toward boys and girls are discussed. Included in this discussion is information regarding the socioeconomic profile of the teachers surveyed. Finally, strategies are proposed for countering the projection of male superiority in curriculum materials and promoting educational equality for women. Appended to the book are questionnaires and observation instruments used in the study and a bibliography on sex roles and sexism in education. (Author/GC)