Folk Dress,Fiestas,and Festivals: How is Mexico Portrayed in U.S. Primary Grade Social Studies Textbooks?

Abstract

This qualitative content analysis was conducted to determine how Mexico and Mexican people are portrayed in contemporary U.S. elementary social studies textbooks. Three textbooks from each of three major publishers were analyzed. Findings are presented in five sections: images and photographs, holidays, Mexican people and heroes, contested history, and portrayals of Mexican-U.S. relations. The authors identified three major themes across the textbooks including heavy emphasis on holidays and traditional folk costumes, a dearth of notable Mexican figures, and overall superficial coverage of Mexico and its people. Recommendations are provided for elementary textbook revisions that would more suitably foster cross-cultural understanding between U.S. children and their southern neighbors.