Narratives in Literature Textbooks: Storytelling Strategies and Female Identity Construction in Socialist Laos, 1975-1993

Abstract

          This article analyzed narratives in literature textbooks in order to understand strategies of storytelling and the construction of female identity in Lao Literature textbooks. The article examined the post-revolutionary literature between 1975-1993, which marks the era of changes in the educational system and structure. The education system is instrumental to the development of the country and serves as a communication tool between the Lao government and the emerging generations. Apart from fostering the perceptions and understanding about the new regime, the system contributes to the preparation of citizens for, as well as creates social values in accordance with, the political ideology of the new governance and society. The study revealed that, from 4 volumes of the literature textbooks at the secondary school level, 14 stories with a storyline and characters related to women were presented. It was found through studying composition of the narratives that the Lao literature textbooks depict female characters as a smart, selfless, and devoted follower of the socialist and state ideology. At the same time, the traditional ideal woman still retains the image of a good mother and a dutiful wife. Thus, these textbooks emphasized the roles of women in family and society, especially their selfless contribution, and praised hard working women from the perspective of new social system and new socialist generation.