International Association of Educators   |  ISSN: 2834-7919   |  e-ISSN: 1554-5210
International Journal of Progressive Education
International Association of Educators

Original article | International Journal of Progressive Education 2023, Vol. 19(5) 225-249

Gender Equality in Math-Themed Picture Books: The Example of “Math Matters”

Özge Nurlu Üstün & Serap Uzuner

pp. 225 - 249   |  DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/ijpe.2023.603.15   |  Manu. Number: MANU-2304-25-0006

Published online: October 16, 2023  |   Number of Views: 39  |  Number of Download: 306

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which math-themed illustrated children's books reflect gender equality. Document analysis, a qualitative research method, was used in the study. The research object consists of a 16-book series published by TUBITAK under the name "Math Matters," determined through criterion sampling. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were used in the data analysis process. The books were analyzed based on categories created through a literature review ("frequencies of genders in title/main character/secondary character/general in text and picture", "parental roles", "occupational roles", "location of genders", "activities of genders"). MAXQDA 2022 data analysis software was used in the analysis process. The findings were summarized using graphs. Then, one-sample chi-square tests were conducted using the SPSS program to determine whether the differences in codes and categories were significant by gender. As a result, it was found that math-themed illustrated children's books, which were written to make math enjoyable and understandable, contain traditional gender stereotypes such as the underrepresentation of females, the emphasis on maternal roles, their limited portrayal in the home and its surroundings, their presentation in service-oriented and limited stereotypical professions, their activities being based on low cognitive skills and household chores, and their clothing emphasizing their sexual attractiveness and beauty, and being depicted in a home environment.

Keywords: Gender Equality, Picture Books, Mathematics Education

How to Cite this Article?

APA 6th edition
Ustun, O.N. & Uzuner, S. (2023). Gender Equality in Math-Themed Picture Books: The Example of “Math Matters” . International Journal of Progressive Education, 19(5), 225-249. doi: 10.29329/ijpe.2023.603.15

Harvard
Ustun, O. and Uzuner, S. (2023). Gender Equality in Math-Themed Picture Books: The Example of “Math Matters” . International Journal of Progressive Education, 19(5), pp. 225-249.

Chicago 16th edition
Ustun, Ozge Nurlu and Serap Uzuner (2023). "Gender Equality in Math-Themed Picture Books: The Example of “Math Matters” ". International Journal of Progressive Education 19 (5):225-249. doi:10.29329/ijpe.2023.603.15.
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