Structuring of gender in Israeli society through children's reading and textbooks: Where is mom's apron?

This study examines changes that have transpired in the reflection of gender structuring in children's books over several decades. The issue of gender in the education system, the structuring of gender stereotypes, and their influence on the distribution of roles between males and females in society are discussed. The study examines children's literature as a means of transmitting cultural and social attitudes and contents as a source influencing values, personality, and behavior in respect to children's perceptions. The findings indicate that children's literature has undergone change from the 1950s until recently, whereby literature portrays more gender equality in most of the formats examined. More males have accessed female professions, and the vocations characterizing both genders continue to increase. Nonetheless, flexibility of gender boundaries is advancing slowly as evident in gender stereotypes still common in children's literature, which structures inequality in Israeli society.