A visual Analysis of Pakistani Authored Children Picture Books

Abstract

Abstract

Children’s books are a significant source of transmitting social values and play a decisive role in developing gender identities. This study focuses on pictorial representation of gender in children’s picture books. Total of five picture books written by Pakistani authors were chosen for the purpose of analysis. Qualitative content analysis method was employed to uncover the pictorial depiction of male and female participants in the selected picture books. Kress and Van Leeuwen theory of visual grammar (2016) has been adopted as a theoretical lens for the analysis of images. Analysis of pictorial depiction of characters in the selected books reveals that male characters exceed females in illustrations. Male outnumber females especially in roles which are traditionally associated with male gender like cricket, cycling and football. Although pictorial depiction of females has improved both in in-story and front-page visuals still their representation is lacking in professions which are considered as masculine. Both parents and teachers need to be vigilant in selecting books for children. Additionally, authors of children's picture books need to be mindful in their content selection and ensure that they treat gender equally.

       Keywords: children literature, pictorial analysis, gender construction