Art in Spanish Social Science textbooks (1980–2000): A narrative of an educational disappointment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5944/hme.22.2025.43229Keywords:
paintings; social sciences; textbooks; transculturalityAbstract
This study identifies and examines the pictorial artworks featured in eight Social Sciences textbooks published in Spain during the 1980s and 1990s, intended for students aged twelve to sixteen. The analysis focuses on the authorship, origin, content, and suitability of the selected artworks included as part of the educational contents. The objectives of this research are to determine the extent of exposure to pictorial art provided by these textbooks, to assess how their inclusion addressed sociocultural concepts and knowledge, and to explore their potential for transcultural education. The investigation is grounded in theories concerning the transmissive power of images and the transcultural potential inherent in artistic productions. The findings reveal a deficient reproduction of pictorial artworks in terms of both quality and manipulation, a predominance of a Eurocentric perspective, and a lack of contextualization that prevents the artworks from fostering cultural connections and exchanges. Additionally, the study identifies an inadequate correspondence between many of the represented artworks and the study topics, as well as significant informational and contextual inaccuracies in the presentation of the artworks.
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