Gender education is a major problem in Albanian schools at all levels. The proposed paper examines how various gender issues, are treated in the textbooks. Text analysis from a gender perspective, is used as method to determine the presence and treatment of gender issues in various textbooks. Admittedly, textbooks continue to play a crucial role as the basic instrument of education. Text analysis includes: text illustrations, gender stereotypes and prejudices, gender authority and leadership. On the other hand, this study, will focus on the important role of teachers which with their formation and personality, have a direct impact on students. The paper argues that every teacher should select those methods, which encourage discussion and reflection of gender situations, adapted to the cultural level and age of students. Teachers, along with textbooks should fulfill better the noble mission of education, of spiritual emancipation, material progress and the social development of students as social individuals.Keywords: Gender Socialization, Gender Education, Text Books, Teacher's Rol.
1.IntroductionThe role of education is essential to the social and cultural development of a democratic and advanced society. Through education, individuals have the opportunity to progress and change their economic and social status to progress in life, independently of their gender. Noëadays, it is a necessity to educate students by removing any racial, gender and cultural prejudice, to ensure solid foundations of a civil, open and global society (UNESCO 2003). The education institutions must contribute in the formation of the personality of the individuals, by creating the necessary space for the individual to overcome any hurdle or social prejudice and to build his/her future independently of the expectations of the society, family, community, etc. (Zhupa, 2014). Most of the analysis conducted by researchers in different countries is mostly centered on the influence of economic factors and socio-cultural factors, while little focus is placed on the impact of factors directly related to the school environment and educational performance -which indicate the degree in which education systems encourage and perpetuate discrimination against girls. A simple analysis of school culture, situation of textbooks and gender culture of the teachers shows that gender education at the Albanian schools of all levels has still serious issues. The educational system in Albania aims to change the schemes and models of social and cultural behaviour of boys and girls, with a view of combating prejudices, based on the concept of inferiority or superiority of either gender. They should aim at the education of students with gender roles, responsibilities and duties, notwithstanding their gender task (ISHA, 2013: 12).
1. Content of textbooks and gender stereotypesTextbooks as instruments transmitting regular knowledge, have the potential of training students with proper concepts and gender behaviours. They are a key factor for the gender sociali...