Gender representation in Kenya Secondary Schools Literature Textbooks

This book examines gender responsiveness of selected Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education literature set books. In addition, it also examines English teachers’ and students’ responses to the gender issues which are raised in the texts. Using ABC Gender Analysis Model and Reader Response Theory the results showed that all the KCSE set books have elements of gender bias, stereotypes of character and role, unequal representation of male and female characters and use of gender insensitive language. However, the study also revealed that some writers have made attempts to make the literature set books gender responsive. In addition, students’ responses revealed a great sense of gender awareness in regard to the gender issues raised in the setbooks. Finally, teachers’ responses revealed that the teachers were keen about gender issues in set books. The book recommends closer scrutiny of literature set books, in-house training of teachers on gender responsiveness, sensitizing students on gender responsive set books and providing checklists for identifying gender stereotypes and other relevant gender issues in set books.