Gender Stereotypes Found in Lithuanian Textbooks; Ministry of Education Promises Stricter Oversight

A study on new textbooks in Lithuania has revealed a significant gender imbalance in educational materials, with male characters appearing far more frequently than females, and women often confined to stereotypical roles such as teachers, seamstresses, or caregivers. The Lithuanian Ministry of Education stated that while publishers are responsible for content, it will strengthen the review process in the future.

According to the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), the study was submitted to the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Science by the women's leadership association 'Lyderė.' It examined 17 textbooks published between 2023 and 2024, all written according to the new national curriculum. Asta Kupčinskaitė, a humanities doctor who led the study, emphasized that textbooks not only impart knowledge but also convey values, influencing students' perceptions of gender roles.

The study found that in illustrations and content, male names, professions, and images appeared much more frequently than females. For instance, in one primary school textbook illustration, five out of six characters were male, holding diverse jobs like firefighters, sailors, doctors, and police officers, while the only female was a pastry chef.

In terms of text, boys were often depicted participating in sports or activities, while girls were shown in service-oriented scenarios. In history textbooks, women were frequently described as nuns or milkmaids, with their presence in the public sphere largely underrepresented. Math textbooks showed similar trends, with female characters accounting for only about 10% of the total, and 6% of their roles limited to 'teachers.'

The research team warned that such portrayals could reinforce gender stereotypes and limit students' imagination regarding their future careers. Jonas Petkevičius, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sport, noted that publishers are responsible for content and must provide expert assessments. He acknowledged that the new materials were produced quickly following curriculum updates and promised the Parliamentary Committee that future textbooks would undergo stricter scrutiny.