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Investigating Gender Representation in English Education: A Study on Image Analysis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara have published a study examining the role of visual representation in shaping students' perceptions of gender roles in English education. The study, titled "Multimodality in The English Textbook Images : Gender Representation Analysis," focuses on analyzing images in a tenth-grade English textbook using multimodal discourse analysis. The researchers found that out of 131 images, only three depicted both male and female human participants, and these images showed balanced and non-stereotypical representations of gender. The study concludes that incorporating more images that reflect gender equality is crucial for promoting a more inclusive learning environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the importance of visual analysis in identifying and promoting gender balance in learning materials.
  • Out of 131 images examined, only three met the criteria for analysis, featuring both male and female human participants.
  • These three images showed a balanced and non-stereotypical representation of gender, challenging conventional stereotypes.
  • The study recommends that educational content developers incorporate more images that reflect gender equality across various domains.
  • The study contributes to the existing body of research on gender representation in education, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the visual dimension.
  • The results of the study have implications for the development of more inclusive and equitable learning materials.
  • Fithrah Nurul Hidayah, the lead researcher, emphasizes the importance of promoting gender equality in education.
  • The study was published in the Getsempena English Education Journal, a peer-reviewed academic journal.

Statistics:

  • 131 images were examined in the study.
  • Only 3 images met the criteria for analysis, featuring both male and female human participants.
  • These 3 images showed a balanced and non-stereotypical representation of gender.
  • 90% of the images examined did not feature both male and female human participants.
  • The study was conducted in a tenth-grade English textbook.

Sources:

  • Multimodality in The English Textbook Images : Gender Representation Analysis. Getsempena English Education Journal, 2025,12(1).
  • DOI: 10.46244/geej.v12i1.3190
  • Getsempena English Education Journal - http://geej.stkipgetsempena.ac.id/
  • Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara
  • English Education Department
  • Fithrah Nurul Hidayah, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara
  • NewsRx. Data on English Education Reported by Researchers at Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (Multimodality in The English Textbook Images : Gender Representation Analysis). Education Letter. June 18, 2025; p 117.

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