| Popis: |
This paper investigates text books written for the purpose of teaching nature and science to pupils in third through sixth grade in Danish elementary schools. This is done by looking at and analyzing the illustrations and images present in these text books through a gender perspective inspired by Judith Butler. In doing so, this paper examines: who are portrayed carrying out scientific examinations and/or experiments; which gender stereotypes are present; and which role models are presented to the children. The findings of this paper are that the books investigated leave very little room for young girls to perform science and heteronormative femininity simultaneously. This is because a majority of the images show or promote: masculine individuals carrying out scientific examinations and/or experiments; the structures of the heteronormative matrix as a ‘natural’ given and; exclusively masculine, historical figures, i.e. scientists, inventors and such. This paper proposes that more focus is directed towards writing text books for teaching that are more inclusive, especially with regards to historical figures presented and breaking down the rigid structures of the heteronormative matrix. |
