Content analysis of first-grade Arabic books from a perspective Gender orientation based on Shannon entropy and TOPSIS techniques

Abstract

One of the most important concerns of mankind in all historical periods has been the issue of educating the young generation to enter their community and socialize. In the study of the different relations of education with society, one cannot ignore the issue of gender. In other words, to educate people who have reached the highest level of humanity and to strive for equality between men and women in an enlightened perspective, it is desirable that education in its hidden layers be followed. Among the components of the education system, textbooks are directly and indirectly involved in the elimination of gender discrimination between men and women. This study aimed to evaluate this educational tool from the perspective of gender orientation. In this regard, all Arabic books of the first semester of the academic year 1389-99 were studied in six components: gender, female and male names, female and male pronouns, pictures, sports activities, and occupations. In order to collect and analyze the data, two approaches to word frequency and content analysis were used. In addition, the Shannon entropy weighting method was used to determine the coefficient of importance of the components studied in the Arabic textbooks under study and the TOPSIS Multi-criteria decision making method was used to prioritize the Arabic textbooks under study from the perspective of gender inequality. The results showed that in the reviewed books, some components of gender equality were more balanced, but gender inequality remained in some areas. Strengthening values such as the acquisition of science and knowledge for both sexes, reinforcing the spirit of heroism in sports for women, and highlighting the high status of motherhood are some of the highlights of this year's books.