Abstract
The soap opera genre is characterised by a strong representation of Gender-based violence (GBV) characters. However, the regular portrayal of GBV, alongside themes of dominance, inequality, and socially constructed gender roles, has led to the genre being often criticised for being patriarchal.
This study explores the development of GBV characters in South African soap operas, a topic that has received limited scholarly attention. Through the lens of Uzalo and House of Zwide, local soap operas, the research examines how writers portray GBV characters and the underlying reasons for these representations. A qualitative approach was employed, involving manual coding of selected episodes from both soap operas and a textual analysis of specific episodes (Uzalo: episodes 6, 32, 63, 73, season 1; House of Zwide: episodes 91, 100, 136, 204, season 3). The study applied genre and narrative theories to interpret the data, providing insights into the portrayal of GBV characters in these soap operas.
Research suggests that GBV is embedded within binary oppositions that reinforce stereotypes, perpetuate inequality, and uphold patriarchal systems. However, its representation transcends a simplistic binary framework, illustrating the nuanced complexity of its position as a victim of GBV, shaped by stereotypes, systemic inequality, and male dominance in domestic or relational contexts. Although the representation of GBV in these characters follows global narrative patterns, it is subverted through their portrayal in South African soap operas, a genre notably marked by themes of GBV. While the portrayal of physical and emotional abuse in Uzalo and House of Zwide aligns with common soap opera tropes, the narratives centred on GBV, and the township settings differentiate them from conventional abusive narratives and other South African soap operas. Although the portrayal aimed to reflect powerful yet stereotypical images of GBV, the construction of gender identities remains shaped by patriarchal ideology.