ERIC Number: ED202706
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1981
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Sexism in Children's Science Trade Book Illustrations.
Styer, Sandra
The relative percentages of males and females in illustrations were identified in a select sample of children's science trade books. The books chosen for analysis were the "Outstanding Trade Books for Children 1979." These books were selected as outstanding children's science trade books mainly for grades K-8 and were evaluated by a special Book Review Committee appointed by the National Science Teachers Association in cooperation with the Children's Book Council. Sixty-nine of the total 71 books were analyzed to determine the sex-role content of the illustrations. Findings included, among others, that: (1) most illustrations portrayed individual males and females while few depicted males and females working together and even fewer depicted females as a team; (2) the percentage of group pictures illustrating only males and only females was identical (31%) in biological science books while 38% of the group pictured portrayed males and females together; (3) 77% of the group pictures showed only males while 7% showed only females in the physical science books and 15% illustrated males and females in groups; and (4) an implied sexist definition of career roles in the two physics and chemistry books examined (ratio of 8 males to 1 female). Results indicate that since these outstanding books were evaluated for sexism in the selection process, it could be assumed that many of those not selected would be significantly more sexist. (JN)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A