Date of Award
Fall 11-25-2020
Document Type
Education 590 Project
Degree Name
Master of Education
Department
Education
Department Chair or Program Director
Huffman, Dr. Jane
First Advisor
Vernimb, Dr. Peter J.
Major or Concentration
Education
Abstract
Research has demonstrated state standards, which often marginalize, stereotype, or exclude women, influence textbook content. Stereotypical and superficial representations of women can trivialize their importance to history, undermine student self-esteem and self-image, and diminish student interest in history. This study identified how women are represented in middle grades history textbooks. A qualitative content analysis of two middle grades United States history textbooks was conducted to identify how women have been included and represented within the textbooks. The findings show the women and women’s history included in the textbooks are largely derived from state standards. Ultimately, the textbooks used in the analysis fail to provide a nuanced account of women’s experiences throughout history and women and women’s history continues to be marginalized or excluded entirely. This research can be utilized to encourage content developers and educators to appropriately and effectively incorporate women and their experiences into middle grades social studies textbooks in meaningful ways.
Recommended Citation
Rayle, Crystal, "Herstory: An Analysis of the Representation of Women in Middle Grades U.S. History Textbooks" (2020). Student Research Submissions. 374.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/374