Publication at Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Faculty of Education |
2013
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to show how analysis of mathematical textbooks can contribute to the effort of uncovering the roots of common biases and prejudices in the society, for example the stereotypical gender roles. The authors build on the fact that the world of word problem assignments and expository narrative of school textbooks of mathematics is a fictional world resembling the microcosm of any work of art, which allows their analysis in the framework of literary theory.
The presenting author of this paper is also an author of one set of mathematical textbooks used in the Czech Republic. Thus the paper includes first-hand experience and intentions when conceiving the word problems and narratives in her textbooks.