Gender Balance in K-12 American History Textbooks

Abstract

This research study evaluated K-12 American history textbooks for gender balance. Elementary, middle school, and high school texts were assessed for the number of male and female historical figures in text content and illustrations. Significantly more males than females were found at all levels in both content and illustrations, and all differences were significant at the .001 level. However, American history textbooks do include more women than in previous editions and since the publication of the National History Standards. The challenges of defining gender balance are discussed, and recommendations for teachers and textbook adoption committees are presented.

Citation

Chick, K.A. (2006), "Gender Balance in K-12 American History Textbooks", Social Studies Research and Practice, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 284-290. https://doi.org/10.1108/SSRP-03-2006-B0001