Exploring Gender Bias in English Textbooks: Insights From Teacher and Student Surveys on Business English Education

In recent years, many organizations in Japan have emphasized “DEI” (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), building on earlier initiatives like Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) and the promotion of women’s participation to enhance human capital and create inclusive environments.

However, despite these efforts, progress in women’s advancement remains limited. The World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index (2024) ranks Japan 118th out of 146 countries, highlighting ongoing challenges in advancing women’s social participation.

In light of this, it is unfortunate that many English textbooks used in university courses in Japan still include subtle biases that perpetuate stereotypical gender roles. This raises the critical question of how these representations may shape students’ self-perception and career aspirations, especially for women seeking to thrive in the global workforce.

To address these concerns, this study explores how gender bias in textbooks influences both educators and learners. The first stage of the research involved conducting surveys and interviews with English teachers and female university students in Japan. The study aimed to examine:

• For English teachers: whether they recognize gender bias in the textbooks they use, along with specific examples of such bias and the strategies they employ to address it.

• For learners: how they perceive gender bias in the textbooks, particularly in the portrayal of men and women, and whether these depictions have influenced their career choices and development.

The findings from this survey of teachers and students will be presented at this conference, offering insights into how business English education can contribute to ensuring gender equality in university English education and empowering women in their careers. Ultimately, by learning with gender bias-free materials, the aim is to implement English education that nurtures students who are free from traditional gender roles and empowers them to confidently succeed in society and the workforce.