Journal of English Language and Education
Vol 11, No 3 (2026)

Disability Representation in Kurikulum Merdeka English Textbooks: A Critical Content Analysis

Putri, Handiyani Silviana (Unknown)
Fitriati, Sri Wuli Fitriati (Unknown)
Yuliati, Yuliati (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 May 2026

Abstract

The representation of disability in educational materials, particularly textbooks, is an important yet often overlooked aspect of inclusive education. Although Indonesia’s Merdeka Curriculum promotes diversity, the portrayal of individuals with disabilities in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks remains underexplored. This study examines the visibility and social roles of characters with disabilities, focusing on whether they are portrayed as “agents” or “victims” based on the Social Model of Disability. Using Critical Content Analysis, this study analyzed three high school English textbooks (Grades 10–12). The findings indicate that disability is indeed depicted, but inconsistently, with more frequent appearances in Grade 10. All identified characters are portrayed as active, independent, and socially integrated individuals, categorized as “agents.”

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jele

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

Journal of English Language and Education (pISSN: 2597-6850 and eISSN: 2502-4132) is a journal that focuses on researching or documenting issues in education, language education, applied linguistics, English education, English language teaching, English Literature, language assessment and ...