Unveiling Gender Inequality and Stereotypes: An Analysis of Foreign-Sourced ELT Textbooks Used in Indonesian Education

Abstract

This study aims to examine gender stereotypes in ELT textbooks, focusing on "My Pals are Here! English 1A" and “My Pals are Here! English 2A” within the Indonesian context. Using content analysis and a small amount of quantitative data, this study analyzed visual elements to identify gender stereotypes in household chores and professions. This study also utilizes an interview to delve deeper into a teacher's beliefs regarding gender-related issues. The findings of this study show that gender inequality and stereotypes exist not only in Indonesian English textbooks but also in two textbooks from a foreign publisher. They often depict unequal household roles and link specific jobs to certain genders. In the interview results involving a teacher utilizing these textbooks, it was evident that the teacher had an understanding of gender equality but did not directly incorporate it into their teachings for the students.