GENDER STEREOTYPES IN IMAGES OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEXTBOOKS IN BRAZIL

Abstract

This study examines whether or not Brazilian Physical Education textbooks contain images of gender stereotypes. It looked at 929 photographs of textbooks published between 2006 and 2012 to be used by Basic and Secondary Education students. Content analysis was conducted through an ad hoc adaptation of an instrument used in previous studies. Results show a slight predominance of the male representation over female, and many images of mixed groups. Images partially reproduce hegemonic patterns linking physical activity with gender. Men are associated to sports while women are linked to fitness activities. The competitive environment and elite sports are accessible to both men and women and there is no relation between gender and the use the sports space.