Using objective hermeneutics in research on textbooks

ABSTRACT

The article aims to approach the theoretical-epistemological contribution of Objective Hermeneutics (OH) to research on textbooks. To this end, we analyzed a high school Portuguese language textbook approved by the national school textbook plan in 2018. Based on the principles of HO, qualitative analyses were developed with a multidisciplinary team from the field of Education. The results reveal that the use of the method is appropriate for research on textbooks, since it enables the identification of contradictions established between the textbook and its internal (Teacher’s Book and Answer keys) and external (official documents) referentials, as well as a better understanding of the role played by paratexts and iconographic elements.

Keywords:
Objective Hermeneutics; Textbooks; Empirical Social Research; Qualitative studies; Critical Theory of Society