Gender representation in Balinese language textbooks: A semiotic and critical discourse analysis

Abstract

Gender representation in educational textbooks plays a crucial role in shaping students' perceptions of social roles, identities, and relationships. As instructional materials, textbooks not only facilitate language learning but also transmit cultural values and ideologies. This study aims to examine gender representation in the Mangu Sastra Balinese language textbook series for Grades I–VI of elementary schools by employing a semiotic and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) approach. This research adopted a qualitative descriptive design. The primary data consisted of verbal and non-verbal elements, including narratives, dialogues, songs, and visual illustrations found in the Mangu Sastra textbooks published by Dwi Jaya Mandiri and developed by the Balinese Language Teachers Working Group (KKG) of Badung Regency. Data were collected through documentation, repeated reading, note-taking, coding, and translation techniques. The analysis integrated Barthes' semiotic framework to examine denotative, connotative, and mythological meanings, alongside Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis to reveal underlying ideologies and power relations. The findings indicate that gender representation in the textbooks remains predominantly patriarchal. Female characters are largely portrayed in domestic and caregiving roles, whereas male characters dominate public, professional, historical, and leadership domains. Furthermore, visual and textual representations reinforce traditional gender stereotypes by associating masculinity with authority, physical strength, and productivity, while femininity is linked to nurturing and domestic responsibilities. The study concludes that the textbooks reproduce patriarchal ideologies embedded within Balinese socio-cultural contexts. Therefore, integrating gender-sensitive perspectives into local language textbooks is essential to promote more inclusive and equitable educational practices while preserving cultural values.