Gender Bias in Government-endorsed Arabic Language Textbooks for Indonesian Elementary Schools

Aliyatul Himmah, Irza Anwar Syaddad

Abstract


This study reveals gender bias contained in textbook “Bahasa Arab Madrasah Ibtidaiyyah” published by the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia. According to the Minister of National Education Regulation Number 84 of 2008 concerning Guidelines for Implementing Gender Mainstreaming in the Education Sector, textbook, as part of significant element in learning process, should promote gender equality. However, the study shows several words, phrases, sentences and even images in the textbooks lead to gender bias. Therefore, the study is aimed at elaborating the forms of gender bias contained in the textbook. By implementing Saussure's semiotics, the study examines the content of the textbook by focusing on verbal and visual elements that highlight gender issues. The findings are expected to increase the critical understanding of gender roles in the textbooks among teachers and students, as well as to provide recommendations for improving the curriculum, especially teaching materials, to be more inclusive and gender equitable.


Keywords


semiotic, Arabic textbook, gender bias

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References


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