Reflections of Gender Roles in Television Series from Meltem to Bahar: Is there anything Changed?

Abstract

This study analyzes the representations of gender roles through two Turkish television series: Çocuklar Duymasın (Don’t let Children Hear), first started in 2002 and continued until 2019, and Bahar (Spring), which started in 2024. While Çocuklar Duymasın remained consistent with the mindset it was originally based on throughout its broadcast, Bahar was constructed around perspectives that are widely accepted in contemporary Turkish society. In this regard, it can be argued that these two series reflect a portrait of Turkish societal transformation over the past two decades. The study aims not only to trace this transformation through the lenses of these two series but also to analyze how gender roles are represented in the media. As a matter of fact, the media not only reflect societal values but also play a significant role in shaping them through specific norms and ideologies. Among various forms of media, television series serve as one of the most prominent platforms where this dual function is observed most intensively. The research is based upon thematic analyses conducted on these series, which were selected through a simple random sampling method, as well as relevant academic literature. The result of the study indicates that although the two series present different family models, both portray a negative prototype of masculinity in contrast to a positive representation of femininity within the context of gender roles. In Çocuklar Duymasın, alongside a family structure that is carefully preserved, a “rough” male figure who tends to resolve conflicts through aggression is contrasted with a “rational” and “strong” female character. In Bahar, however, a family dynamic on the verge of dissolution due to infidelity is depicted, wherein the “unfaithful” male is counterbalanced by a resilient and self-empowered woman guided by rational emotions.

Keywords: Gender identity, Bahar series, Cocuklar Duymasın series, media, media studies, being a woman in the media, television series.