The report opens with detailed summaries of historical background information for each of the groups involved and with a review of the literature on bias in textbooks in Canada, the United States, and other countries. Over a time span of six months, 211 readers evaluated 1,719 textbooks. Readers located 104 biases in 78 textbooks. The 23 biases…

This paper reports the results of a content-analysis for the treatment of gender and diversity in the 11 top-selling lifespan developmental textbooks. The purposes were to measure the amount of information provided on aspects of development specific to Caucasian females and females of Color and to evaluate qualitatively the incorporation of the…

This book, published by the Council on Interracial Books for Children, presents a content analysis instrument for assessing the portrayal of women and third world peoples in U.S. History textbooks. Thirteen textbooks published since 1970 and one which was published in 1967 are examined for their treatment of six groups: women, African Americans,…

Analysis of three Canadian grade 10 social studies textbooks illustrates how the discrimination and persecution endured by Japanese Canadians have been marginalized. As long as textbooks present perspectives of the dominant social group, inequalities embedded in society will remain hidden. Using textbooks critically to interrogate biases inherent…

Reviews introductory sociology texts from 1950-89. Reports that heterosexual biases are embedded in sociology as taught. Argues that goals of sociology texts should include the recognition and exploration of difference rather than the homogenization of sexuality. Concludes that, although introductory sociology texts have made advances in…

This study investigates the image of the American family presented in six recent basal readers published by Allyn and Bacon, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Harper and Row, Laidlaw, Macmillan, and Scott Foresman. It compares these model families to social reality in terms of family structure, ethnicity, and father and grandparent roles. (Author/SJL)

Examines whether elementary textbooks enhance a socially active mathematics education program. Reports that young females and minorities are adequately portrayed in five mathematics textbook series; representation of careers, however, is less than adequate. Sixteen references are listed. (YP)

Although the minority content of textbooks has increased and improved over time, its purpose and application are seldom discussed. Various approaches that promote multicultural principles, such as films, intergroup contact, curriculum innovation, multi-ethnic readers, and literature packages, are outlined in this review of the effective…

Examines between-school variation in gender and ethnic inequality in course-taking of physics and biology. A multilevel analysis of 19,743 Israeli twelfth graders reveals the sciences are taken less often by underprivileged Jewish ethnic group students, physics is taken more often by males and biology by females, and gender typing is particularly…

Discusses coverage of Mexican history and Mexican Americans in 10 U.S. history textbooks approved for use in Texas. Criticizes the lack of complete information, ethnocentricity, and failure to present the Mexican point of view. Argues that U.S. history courses should cover topics of Mexican history, including Spanish colonialism, the Texas…

In recent years European textbook research has begun to examine the topics of ethnic minorities, multiculturalism, hostility to foreigners, and racism. Its task is not only to ask whether textbooks should present such topics but also how they should be presented. In addressing the issues, an important question to answer is whether the textbooks…

Noting that major publishers have begun to depict a more balanced portrayal of ethnic story characters and content in their basal reading series, a study was conducted to investigate the extent to which stories depicting the three largest ethnic groups in the United States were contained in nine of the major and current basal reading series…

Analysis of sex and race representation in almost 3000 stories drawn from 77 basal readers in 7 series published between 1980 and 1982 shows that, although minority and female numerical representation has increased, there has been little progress in role models offered. In terms of representation in the labor force, males of all races were…

This 1976 review by the Michigan Department of Education of senior high school government textbooks used in Michigan schools suggests that the majority of textbooks are "grossly lacking" in terms of the fair inclusion of the "achievements and accomplishments of ethnic and racial groups," as specified in Act 127 (Social Studies…

In compliance with the Social Studies Textbook Act of the State of Michigan, 18 elementary, junior high school, and high school level social studies books were examined to determine the extent to which they adequately reflect the multi-racial, multi-ethnic and pluralistic nature of American society, both past and present. A group of 27 educators,…