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 middle school and high school curricula, published between 1985 and 1995, were examined. Variables included illustrations, noun/pronoun usage, and specific topics within the two categories of biological function and mutual 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 difference occurred within the text of the curricula in noun and pronoun usage. Illustrations were few in number, but showed greater female representation. Greater male representation occurred in topics related to drug use, sexual exploitation, sexual desire, and homosexuality. Topics with greater female representation included body image, diseases of the reproductive organs, and hygiene.