Abstract—This study investigates gender representation in current EFL textbooks (Right Path to English I and
II) that are designed locally and taught as an obligatory subject in Iranian secondary schools. Two methods of
analysis were performed. First, these textbooks were subjected to a systematic quantitative analysis with
reference to: (1) gender visibility in both text and illustrations and (2) female/male-oriented topic presentation
in dialogues and reading passages. Second, a qualitative analysis was undertaken by concentrating on four
components of gender-role modelling: (1) male-centred language including: (a) firstness and (b) masculine
generic construction; (2) gender-linked occupation possibilities; (3) distribution of household responsibilities,
and (4) distribution of spare time and leisure activities. The findings revealed the degree of imbalance in
gender representation in these textbooks. The paper concludes by addressing the implications of gender
imbalance depicted in the textbooks for learners’ perceptions.
Index Terms—ELT curriculum, gender representation, sexism, st