Diversity and homogeneity in Spanish-language picture books with non-human characters

Mínguez-López, X. and García-González, M. (2022) Diversity and homogeneity in Spanish-language picture books with non-human characters. Intercultural Education, 33(3), pp. 282-301. (doi: 10.1080/14675986.2022.2070396)

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Abstract

We analyse a corpus of 99 recent Spanish-language picturebooks, based on converging recommendations of prestigious reading promotion institutions in different countries. Focusing on the books that feature non-human characters, we inquire into how animals and other creatures may open possibilities to present diverse and intercultural worlds narrating difference differently. Using critical content analysis with an intersectional lens, we give an overview of the predominant narratives about groups and societal organisations in recommended children’s books. Most of the books in this sample (re)produce a desire for a social homogeneity, depicting communities of similar creatures threatened by those of a different kind and/or by the destabilisation of hierarchical orders. We highlight a few books that open up possibilities to narrate shifting identities and social positionings, as well as dynamics of exclusion and propose to look at the potential of non-representational stories for intercultural education.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Garcia Gonzalez, Dr Macarena
Authors: Mínguez-López, X., and García-González, M.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education
Journal Name:Intercultural Education
Publisher:Taylor and Francis
ISSN:1467-5986
ISSN (Online):1469-8439
Published Online:21 June 2022

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