Exploring Social Stratification Ideologies In Pakistani Secondary English Textbooks

Abstract

This research focuses on analyzing secondary English textbooks that are rich in various ideological themes. Extensive research has been conducted on gender biases in textbooks, yet there has been limited attention given to the representation of social stratification in English textbooks. The present study addresses a gap in literature by examining the diverse ideologies portrayed in these books. This study encompasses three categories of private schools in Lahore: lower English medium school (The West bridge School), non-elite English medium school (Syed School System), and elite English medium school (Lahore Grammar School). The textbooks used in these schools are published by different publishers, namely Oxford, Afaq Sun Series, and the National Curriculum of the U.K. and Ireland. For this purpose, qualitative and quantitative data are employed using Van Dijk's (1980) model,[1] specifically at the microstructure and macrostructure levels. It analyzes different ideological themes; from English Textbooks of Grade 6 and Grade 7 according to different school levels. The findings of the research show unequal representation of themes in these three strata of English textbooks. The textbooks of lower middle schools show Pakistani culture while non-elite and elite private schools impart Western culture for liberal worldview, ideology, a society without moral values, religion, and social practices.