Abstract:

When mass media is examined in respect to critical theories, it can be said that media is under the control of men and thus it promotes patriarchal thought. According to critical theories like Frankfurt School and Birmingham School of Cultural Studies, which mainly advocate that media’s power is unlimited, an individual is tended to consider every single item that he sees on media is true and thus he internalizes by acquiescing. Individuals who are against the mainstream understanding, are represented restrictedly and who are on the behalf of mainstream understanding, are represented in accordance to some stereotypes and frames which promote mainstream understanding. In this respect, “The Representation of Social Identities in Turkish Television Series in Regard to Popular Culture” article, aims to examine the representation of social identities whether the characters represent the dominant ideology or not. Content analysis ise used to prepare this article. Sample size of it is restricted with 5 television serials which broke the ratings records within the period of 2011-2012. These serials are Arka Sokaklar, Öyle Bir Geçer Zaman Ki, Fatmagül’ün Suçu Ne?, Adını Feriha Koydum and Kuzey Güney. Although Muhteşem Yüzyıl was in the top five list, it was not examined since the period of that series was not suit with the parameters of article. The characters represented in the sample serials are examined according to their personalities and behavioural patterns. In this respect personality types, positive and negative behavioural patterns and crime rates are determined. In the next phase of the article the same characters are examined in in regard to religious, sexual, ideological, ethnic/national, denominational, professional identities and gender.

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