SERIALISED TELEVISION FICTION AND THE (UN)CONTESTABLE USE OF STEREOTYPES

ABSTRACT

This article looks at the use of stereotypes in serialized fictional productions in Portugal. The aim of this work is to understand whether this representational tool reproduces or challenges the social patterns present in portuguese territories, exploring the intentions behind its use and its receptiveness. To this end, a content analysis was carried out of the main and secondary characters in the productions “A Serra” (SIC) and “Bem-Vindos a Beirais” (RTP1), and a focus group was held with national viewers. The conclusion of this research exposes the inevitability, but also the growing contestability, of the use of stereotypes in the construction of these television narratives.

Key words
Soap operas; stereotypes; television; reality; identification