Issues of Gender in the First-Grade IT Textbook in Oman

Abstract

The objective of this study is to conduct an analysis of gender representation within the Information Technology (IT) school textbook utilized in Grade 1 across all public schools in Oman. The investigation of categories such as images, names, and gender firstness is commonly conducted using quantitative and qualitative content analysis. The study findings indicate that the IT school textbook utilized in Grade 1 demonstrates gender balance and equality. The textbook exhibited a nearly equal representation of males and females, both in terms of quantity and quality. The outcomes of the study also indicate that females exhibited greater visibility compared to males in the areas pertaining to images, names, and gender precedence in terms of speaking order. On the other hand, males exhibited a higher level of visibility within the gender-firstness category, which pertains to the order in which individuals are depicted in images.  Overall, the school textbook demonstrated an equitable and unbiased portrayal of both genders. The results of the current investigation are expected to serve as a catalyst for authors to generate educational materials that exhibit a more equitable representation of genders within the school curriculum.