GENDER REPRESENTATION IN ILLUSTRATIONS, TEXT, AND TOPIC AREAS IN SEXUALITY EDUCATION CURRICULA

A content analysis instrument was developed to examine differences in gender representation in sexuality education curricula. Fourteen middl e school and high school curricula, published between 1985 and 1995 we re examined Variables included illustrations noun/pronoun usage, and s pecific topics within the two categories of biological function and mu tual interest. The study examined differences in gender representation in illustrations, photographs, cartoons, drawings, and text. Omission of sexuality topics related to gender also was examined. Little diffe rence occurred within the text of the curricula in norm and pronoun us age. Illustrations were few in number, but showed greater female repre sentation. Greater male representation occurred in topics related to d rug use, sexual exploitation sexual desire, and homosexuality. Topics with greater female representation included body image, diseases of th e reproductive organs, and hygiene.