Women’s Revolution, a Revolution in Progress
Gender Representation in Children’s Literature Through Raquel Costa’s 25 Mulheres
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21409321 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Susana Amante (0000-0002-1300-0785, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publication date | 2025-04-21 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Children s Literature in Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0045-6713 • E-ISSN: 1573-1693 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10583-025-09617-y |
| OpenAlex | W4409646697 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 35 |
This article examines Raquel Costa’s 25 Mulheres , a children’s book celebrating the 50th anniversary of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution. Designed for readers around 10–11 years old, yet equally compelling for adults due to its layered meanings and nuanced themes, the book features 25 alphabetically organised stories of ordinary women, reflecting their diverse lives and experiences within Portuguese society. This structure provides a captivating entry point for discussing gender equality and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of the Carnation Revolution, which ended decades of authoritarian rule and marked significant progress for women’s rights, the book uses its historical context to inspire contemporary dialogue. Significant themes include freedom, empowerment, equality, and identity while addressing topics such as disability, reproductive rights, domestic violence, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Each story challenges traditional gender norms, offering readers examples of resilience and courage. Costa’s illustrations enhance the narrative, combining vibrant and subdued tones to capture the essence of each woman’s story. Unlike conventional narratives, Costa’s work highlights anonymous, everyday women, creating a mosaic of voices that resonate across ages. By exploring the portrayal of gender roles and societal expectations, this article assesses the book’s impact on fostering an understanding of historical and contemporary issues related to women’s rights. This study underscores the importance of integrating feminist perspectives into children’s literature to promote intergenerational dialogue and ongoing reflection on gender equality
Political science · Politics · Representation (politics) · Sociology · Gender and Feminist Studies · Gender Studies · Gender Studies in Language · History · Media, Gender, and Advertising
Language, gender, and patriarchy in Mulan
In her hands
Gender in children's literature and kindergartener's responses to gender in interactive read‐alouds
Gender messages in girls' puberty books
Gender representation in textbooks
Social change, protest and participation in Greece, Portugal and Spain
Fairy‐Tale Fan Fiction and Questions of Women's Consent
Afro-Latin@ Representation in Youth Literature
Portuguese Intelligence under Salazar’s Estado Novo
Theorizing and Researching Intersectionality
Reading the Radio-Magazine
Cinema and Revolution
Building Nations After Empire
Mr. Active and Little Miss Passive? The Transmission and Existence of Gender Stereotypes in Children’s Books
Um, dois, três MFA
Developmental aspects of gender role flexibility and traditionality in middle childhood and adolescence
Arriving from the revolution
| Highly cited | No |
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