Visualizing inequality: uncovering gender bias in Islamic textbooks of Indonesia

The issue of gender bias in educational materials, especially within Islamic textbooks extensively used in Indonesia, remains a crucial yet insufficiently examined topic despite its profound impact on shaping students’ understanding of gender roles. This study examines gender bias in visual materials of Islamic textbooks for grades 1 to 12 published by the Ministry of Education and Culture. To achieve this goal, this study uses a qualitative approach comprising content analysis, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) to collect and analyze data. The study’s results indicate following: a) Islamic textbooks in Indonesia reflect broader trends in Muslim-majority countries, underrepresenting women and reinforcing gender stereotypes; b) visual content exhibits four patterns: underrepresentation, stereotypical portrayals, objectification, and a lack of diversity; c) the production process of textbooks is dominated by men, with 83.3% of primary authors and 91.7% of reviewers being male, perpetuating structural inequalities; d) interviews show students and teachers often overlook gender stereotypes but recognize their impact when prompted; e) ideological power embedded in textbook production sustains traditional gender norms, limiting critical discourse; f) FGD highlights strategies for reform, such as increasing women’s participation in content creation and ensuring equitable visual representations. This study emphasizes systemic reforms to address gender stereotypes in textbooks, contributing to a gender-sensitive educational framework that promotes equity and inclusivity.