From Images to Understanding: Visual Culture and Multicultural Representation in Primary Textbooks

10th International Academic Conference on Management and Economics

Year: 2026

[PDF]

From Images to Understanding: Visual Culture and Multicultural Representation in Primary Textbooks

Ayşe Nihan Zengin

ABSTRACT:

In contemporary multicultural societies, early primary education plays a vital role in cultivating cultural awareness and inclusive thinking. Textbooks used in Life Studies courses, particularly those in the first grade, not only transmit knowledge but also convey implicit cultural messages through visual content. This study critically examines the visual representations in the 2024 first-grade Life Studies textbook approved by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, focusing on how these visuals reflect multicultural values and whether they provide opportunities for inquiry-based learning through art. Employing a qualitative document analysis design, the research uses directed content analysis guided by five analytical dimensions: representation of cultural diversity, presence of artistic elements, inclusivity and visibility of marginalized identities, potential for intercultural dialogue, and affordances for inquiry-based engagement. Findings indicate that visuals predominantly reflect a monolithic national culture, with limited representation of ethnocultural diversity. While some artistic elements are present, they are primarily decorative and rarely connected to pedagogical goals. Moreover, few visuals encourage critical questioning or exploration, thereby limiting the potential for inquiry-based art learning. The study highlights the need for more inclusive and dialogical visual content that supports young learners in developing intercultural understanding and critical thinking through art. These findings contribute to the literature on multicultural education and offer practical implications for curriculum developers, textbook authors, and educators seeking to promote inclusive, inquiry-driven learning environments in early primary education.

Keywords: content analysis; critical thinking; cultural awareness; primary education; visual decipherment