Paper short abstract:

This presentation is an attempt to analyse the image of masculinity in Japanese textbooks used since 2015. The results show that the image presented in the textbooks is a new type of masculinity model, based primarily on such traits as family orientation and caring.

Paper long abstract:

One of the most important tools through which first grade students learn about the world is school textbook. The information gained during this period may have a strong impact on views about reality presented at later stages of life. This presentation is an attempt to analyse the image of masculinity in Japanese textbooks used since 2015 in the first semester of the first year of elementary school. The research method was based on the model of analysing the problem of sexism in English textbooks according to the methodology of Porreca, which allowed to combine quantitative and qualitative methods. To determine relationships between variables, the χ2 test was used at a significance level of p <0.5, if the data type allowed. In addition to the textual material on which the analysis carried out by Porreca was based, it was also decided to include graphic material in the research, which, especially in the case of Japanese textbooks, forms an integral part thereof. The results show that the image of masculinity presented in the textbooks is almost exclusively positive. Male characters are characterized by such features as: family orientation, protectiveness, friendliness, courage, knowledge, modesty and astuteness. As such this image can be classified as a new type of masculinity model, contradicting the traditional model portrayed as busy employee (salaryman).