Gender Role Depictions in Arabic Children’s Picture Books

Abstract

This study aimed to explore gender role depictions in children's Arabic picture books. The importance of this study emerged from its focus on young children, where the concept of gender begins to be constructed. This study provided insight into the nature of gender roles in children’s picture books, especially under the remarkable changes that Saudi society is witnessing and the lack of Arab studies in this area. Social cognitive theory, gender schema theory, and critical literacy pedagogy guided the study. A sample of 26 picture books was selected from the Child Book Club at King Abdulaziz Public Library and analyzed using multi-method approaches. I utilized qualitative content analysis, critical content analysis, and social semiotic analysis to comprehensively understand gender roles in children's Arabic picture books. The results of this study demonstrated the domination of human and female characters in picture books, on the book's cover and inside. Both genders were prominently portrayed in traditional roles, inside and outside the home. Male characters were characterized by independence and financial authority and showed greater connection to means of transportation. Female characters showed more association with children and their care. In contrast, the results showed an unbiased portrayal of both genders in picture books at the level of interests, such as drawing, watching television, playing with cars, and building a castle. Both genders were also portrayed with positive characteristics. Females demonstrated their ability to solve problems, be creative and imaginative, accept diversity, and work hard. The males showed their ability to be creative and solve problems, but they also showed their lack of time management and organization skills, such as staying up late, being late for school, and disorganizing. Biased and unbalanced representation of gender roles in children's books may reinforce stereotypes that frame children's beliefs about the roles they are expected to play in society.