Analysis of gender stereotypes in Chinese textbooks for learners learning Chinese as a foreign language

Abstract

The textbooks are a means of learning and reflect prevalent social values, significantly influencing the social identity and sense of responsibility of learners. They provide children with an understanding of prevailing gender norms in society by demonstrating the roles and activities of both sexes in society and in the family. It is important to avoid reinforcing traditional gender concepts of male dominance over female dominance, as this may have a negative impact on students' gender perspectives and future career choices. Past studies have shown that gender stereotypes are still prevalent in textbooks. This paper employs a literature research method to explore and examine concepts and theories related to gender stereotypes in literature. The aim is to establish a theoretical foundation for analysing gender stereotypes in textbooks, build a research framwork that covers four dimensions of stereotypes:personality traits, role behaviour, occupational division of labour and physical appearance. The study then utilises both quantitative and qualitative methods to systematically analyse the presence of gender stereotypes in YCT textbooks from the four dimensions. Finally, guidelines for managing Chinese language learning and teaching activities based on gender stereotypes are proposed to improve the Chinese communication skills of foreign learners. The study's analyses led to the following conclusions: 1) Literature Situation: The development of gender stereotypes in children and adolescents involves a period of emergence, development and manoeuvring. The characteristics of gender stereotypes are oppositional, social, altering behaviour and choices, and changeable. Factors influencing gender stereotyping are biological, but mainly environmental. Gender stereotypes can be categorised into four dimensions, they are personality traits, role behaviour, occupational division of labour and physical appearance. 2) Analysed Results: Firstly, while the total number of males and females in the YCT pictures is similar, there is an imbalance and difference in the proportion of males and females in the covers, main illustrations and secondary illustrations. Secondly, there are more male protagonists than female in YCT texts. Additionally, named male protagonists not only far outnumber women but also outnumber women in the areas they cover. Finally,the characters featured in the YCT exhibit significant gender stereotypes in terms of their behaviour, occupation, appearance, and personality traits. 3) Guidelines: Teachers should check that teaching materials do not contain gender stereotypes before the lesson, teach using the principle of gender equality during the lesson, and reflect on their teaching after the lesson