In order to analyze the data, content analysis was used in this research. Neuman 2007: 20 defines content analysis as the technique of analyzing the
content in ‘written or symbolic material’. In other words, content analysis is a method to analyze the data which are in the form of text. According to
Kondracki Wellman in Hsieh and Shannon, 2005, text data can be in form of verbal, printed, or electronic material and the data might be obtained from
narrative responses, open-ended survey questions, interviews, focus groups, observations, or print media such as articles, books, or manuals. Since the data
in this research were in the form of text, content analysis was the most appropriate method to collect and analyze the data regarding female children’s
struggles against gender inequality in Taliban society.
B. Data and Sources of the Data
The data source in this research was Ellis’ The Breadwinner published in 2000. The data used were the words, phrases, clauses and sentences related to
the harms that gender inequality put on female children in Taliban society, Parvana’s struggles against gender inequality in Taliban society and the
significant meanings of Parvana’s struggles in Taliban society which are embedded in Deborah Ellis’ The Breadwinner. These significant expressions
could signify the issue of gender inequality experienced by female children character, Parvana. To achieve the purposes of the research, the interpretation
of the text was done based on these data. Therefore, the data were essentially needed to analyze the harms that gender inequality put on female children, the
struggles Parvana does and the significant meanings of her struggles.
C. Research Instrument
There were two research instruments used in this research. The first instrument was the primary or the main instrument. In qualitative research, the
primary instrument is the researcher herself. Human is the most appropriate instrument in qualitative research. Lincoln and Guba in Vanderstop and
Johnston, 2009: 189 states that “human instruments are shaped by experience and can respond and adapt to the research encounter”. Human possess the
experience and knowledge in every area of life. As a result, they are more flexible to analyze the phenomenon offered in the research.
The second instrument was the secondary instrument. The secondary instruments in this research were any media and devices which contribute to
the data collection and data analysis. The media and devices included worksheet, pen, highlighter and computer. The worksheet was needed to note
significant expressions related to the topic. Besides, it was useful to create a table in order to classify the data. The classification of the data was provided in
the table below:
Table 1: The Example of the Data List No
Page Data
Meaning Category
1. 149
“When they got to Parvana’s street, she
started to run, and she pulled the woman
along with her. She was so scared by this
point, she thought if she didn’t get home
right
away, she
would collapse.”
Parvana is scared that Taliban saw her
and her companion. The Taliban will
punish
her. Therefore, she runs
to reach her house.
Fear and Lack of Confidence
11. 29
“How can we be brave?”
Nooria Nooria is desperate
that she
cannot
asked. “We
can’t even
go outside.
How can we lead men into battle? I’ve
seen enough war. I don’t want to see
any more.” change
anything. Therefore,
she hesitates to do an
action.
Desperation and
Unwillingness to Struggle
D. Data Collection Technique
