SSRScientific and Social Research2661-43322981-9946Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/ssr.v8i8.15326ArticleRepresentations of Women in Illustrations from Chinese Literacy Textbooks (1949–1978)https://artdesignp.com/journal/SSR/8/8/10.26689/ssr.v8i8.15326MaZhijiang,LuoJiale2026882026-08-31The illustrations of literacy textbooks from 1949 to 1978 created a rich and full image of strong women with intuitive visual language. On the one hand, the female role has evolved from the dual identity of both productive labor and cultural learning, to the image of “Iron Girl,” and then to the role expansion of the communicator of revolutionary ideas; on the other hand, the illustrations of each period have always continued the traditional gender model. This dual writing is the result of the joint efforts of national construction needs, social division of labor inertia, and traditional culture. It not only highlights the progress of women’s liberation in New China, but also reflects its historical limitations and provides a historical mirror for contemporary textbook compilation and gender equality education.Literacy textbooks, Illustrations, Representations of women

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