What Do Soap Operas Tell About Family Relationships?

Abstract

Focusing on a popular Turkish soap opera Aramizda Kalsin broadcasted at the prime-time on a national Turkish TV channel, this paper seeks to investigate the influence of family relationships on the audience. This research is desgined as a case study of the Turkish Cypriots young adults who are tertiary students. In the research, qualitative metholodology is used. Data collection has been realized through observation, field notes and semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. Participants' responses indicate differences of audience attitudes towards watching television. Family relationships in the serial are reacted positively; however, cultural issues in marriage and divorce are found problematic. Almost all participants consider that the family relations, marriage and divorce represent the values of the Turkish society. Since people learn about different families through the television serials, this paper proves the significance of presenting good examples in the TV series.