Sexism in gynecology textbooks: Gender stereotypes and paternalism, 1978 through 1983

Twenty‐eight gynecology textbooks from the years 1978 through 1983 were analyzed to assess whether, after a decade of criticism, gender stereotypes, paternalism, and other forms of condescension toward women had been eliminated. Although there have been efforts on the part of some authors to move to an egalitarian and nonsexist stance, approximately one quarter (one third of the more basic generalized texts) still have sections reflecting traditional sex‐role stereotypes, paternalism, or misogynist attitudes. Most of the texts, however, had removed negative stereotypes concerning women's essential nature or personality. The elimination of sexism from gynecology texts is still incomplete.