Gender bias in a Grade 7 CBSE English textbook: A content analysis of NCERT’s Honeycomb

Abstract

Textbooks play a critical role in shaping learners’ perceptions of social identities, including gender roles and power relations. This study examines gender representation in the Grade 7 English textbook “Honeycomb”. The book is prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), India. Using a qualitative content analysis supported by descriptive quantification, the study analyzes chapter titles, linguistic terminology, authorship distribution, thematic representation, and visual imagery. All 17 lessons in the textbook are examined. A structured coding framework was developed to classify representations as male-oriented, female-oriented, or gender-neutral. The framework uses factors such as visibility, narrative centrality, occupational roles, and pronoun usage. Findings indicate a consistent pattern of male dominance across textual and visual components. While 88% of lesson titles were gender-neutral, male-oriented linguistic usage (59%), male-dominated themes (71%), and higher male authorship representation (53%) suggests structural imbalance. Visual depictions reinforce traditional gender roles. Males are more often shown in leadership, adventure, and professional domains, while females are either underrepresented or confined to domestic and supportive roles. The study shows that subtle gender bias persists within widely used national textbooks. It underscores the need for gender-sensitive curricular revision and inclusive pedagogical frameworks.