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Representation of Black African women's bodies in the soap opera, Generations.

dc.contributor.advisorMagwaza, Thenjiwe S. C.
dc.contributor.authorThabethe, Funeka E.
dc.date.accessioned2010-09-03T12:58:42Z
dc.date.available2010-09-03T12:58:42Z
dc.date.created2008
dc.date.issued2008
dc.descriptionThesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.en_US
dc.description.abstractFeminists have always taken an interest in the manner in which the media represents women. This is due to the fact that the media is always accused of representing women in an unfavourable manner. If not under-represented, women are objectified or used to perpetuate negative stereotypes about women in general. Research demonstrates that the media has moved from under-representation of women. However, equal representation to men or overrepresentation of women does not necessarily mean correct representation. This dissertation is based on the soapi opera Generations, a soapie where female characters outnumber male characters. The purpose of this dissertation is to look at the manner in which black African women characters' bodies are represented. The women characters' bodies have been studied as social constructions with an underlying message. Foucault's ideas of subjectivity were employed to look at the unlimited possibilities as well as limitations of the body. Subjectivity when looking at bodies have been analysed through the flexibility of bodies to be changed through discipline, body gestures as well as adornment with jewellery and other accessories. Moreover, the underlying culture behind the various constructions was studied. The findings were that in the soapi opera Generations, the representation of women characters' bodies was highly influenced by western culture. The choice of a character's body size, hair texture and complexion is mainly that which is defined as beautiful in western culture.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10413/880
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.subjectGenerations (Television programme)en_US
dc.subjectBody image in women--South Africa.en_US
dc.subjectWomen in mass media--South Africa.en_US
dc.subjectHuman body--Social aspects--South Africa.en_US
dc.subjectBody image--Social aspects--South Africa.en_US
dc.subjectWomen, Black--South Africa.en_US
dc.subjectTheses--Gender studies.en_US
dc.titleRepresentation of Black African women's bodies in the soap opera, Generations.en_US
dc.typeThesisen_US

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