Abstract

This study investigates the representation of family in fictional texts of grades 7 and 8 Tigrigna textbooks. It uses critical discourse analysis (CDA) to explore the characters of the father figure, the mother, and the children, and identify the role of beliefs, values, and power structure in shaping the lives of family members. Thus, the texts indicated that fathers are mostly absent. If present, they are considered the only decision-maker, and breadwinner, but irresponsible, aggressive, and a negative role model. Conversely, mothers were represented as caring, weak, dependent, and vulnerable. Similarly, children were positioned as dependent and vulnerable. Likewise, the discourse strategies emphasize the good of the new generation and the bad of the old within the family structure. The texts perpetuate the legitimacy of the patriarchal power hierarchy in the family structure. Generally, it lacks a progressive family as a model in which school children can take lessons. In this respect, textbook authors should select fictional texts that are not tendentious and adopt these texts to promote positive values and role models. Curriculum designers and education policymakers alike should seek relevant feedback from students and teachers and receive insights from the present research work and inform student learning.