Is Children’s Literature Ageist? Depictions of Older Characters in Children’s Books for 6 Months−10 Years in Türkiye
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2026
Yazarlar: Zahide Yuvakgil, S. Fehmi Akçiçek
Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Uluslararası, Scopus, 2026, ss 1-17
DOI: 10.1080/15350770.2026.2634703
Özet
The aim of this research is to evaluate the depiction of older characters in children’s books in Türkiye for the age group ranging from 6 months to 10 years. The sample of the research was 336 children’s books for the age group of 6 months−10 years which were included in the bestseller list of “Idefix” and “D&R” online sales platforms in 2020 and which were published in the last 10 years. The study used quantitative and qualitative analysis to investigate ageist stereotypes, analyzing a selection of books using the “Book Coding List.” The sample comprised 8526 characters, 503 (5.9%) of which were older. The sample exhibited a greater proportion of male than female older characters, with 18.3% of the sample being grandparents. There were more positive than negative depictions of older characters. Consequently, the older characters account for about 6% and are often idealized. More realistic portrayals could reduce subtle ageism.