Soap opera makers should strive to create a more positive narrative and empower women

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 107 views

Violence Against Women in Indonesian Soap Operas: A Descriptive Study of Qualitative Violence

Introduction

Violence against women is a pressing issue that affects millions of women worldwide, and it is essential to address this problem in various contexts, including mass media. Indonesian soap operas, which are widely popular and influential, play a significant role in shaping public perceptions of women and their roles in society. This study aims to investigate the forms of violence against women in Indonesian soap operas, using a qualitative descriptive approach. By analyzing five high-rated soap operas aired in 2014, this research identifies the types of violence displayed and how women are positioned in these scenes.

Background

Violence against women is a complex issue that encompasses physical, psychological, and economic forms of abuse. In the context of mass media, soap operas are a significant source of entertainment that can influence public perceptions of women and their roles in society. Indonesian soap operas, in particular, have gained immense popularity in recent years, with many shows achieving high ratings and widespread viewership. However, the impact of these shows on women's representation and the perpetuation of violence against women is a concern that needs to be addressed.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach, using interactive analysis techniques developed by Miles and Huberman. The data collection process involved analyzing five high-rated soap operas aired from 20 to 23 March 2014, based on AGB Nielsen Media Research data. The soap operas analyzed include Porridge Porridge on Hajj The Series (RCTI) Episode 1127, Pashmina Aisha (RCTI) Episode 22 & 23, Father why am I different? (RCTI) Episode 5, ABG Becomes Manten (SCTV) Episode 19, and Silent Silent Like (SCTV) Episode 137. The analysis focused on identifying the forms of violence against women displayed in these soap operas and how women are positioned in these scenes.

Results

The results of this study showed that violence against women still frequently appears in Indonesian soap operas, particularly in shows with high ratings. The forms of violence displayed include physical violence, psychological violence, and economic violence, with psychological violence being the most dominant. This study also found that women are more often depicted as perpetrators of violence and as victims than men.

Discussion

The findings of this study have significant implications for the representation of women in Indonesian soap operas. The display of violence against women in these shows not only reflects the reality of life but also contributes to the perpetuation of negative stereotypes and the normalization of violent behavior in society. When women are portrayed as weak victims or as perpetrators of violence, this can reinforce negative attitudes towards women and contribute to the stigma surrounding violence against women.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of considering the impact of media content on women's representation and the perpetuation of violence against women. Soap opera makers have a significant responsibility to create a more positive narrative and empower women. Education about gender and violence is also essential to promote a deeper understanding of the context and to encourage critical thinking about the representation of women in media.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Soap opera makers should strive to create a more positive narrative and empower women. This can be achieved by depicting women in strong and positive roles, challenging negative stereotypes, and promoting positive attitudes towards women.
Education about gender and violence should be encouraged. This can be achieved through workshops, training programs, and other initiatives that promote critical thinking and understanding of the context.
Media content makers should take responsibility for the impact of their content. This includes considering the potential impact of their shows on women's representation and the perpetuation of violence against women.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study only analyzed five high-rated soap operas, which may not be representative of all Indonesian soap operas. Secondly, the study only focused on the representation of women in these shows, which may not capture the full complexity of the issue. Finally, the study did not conduct a comprehensive analysis of the impact of these shows on women's representation and the perpetuation of violence against women.

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the need for further research on the representation of women in Indonesian soap operas and the perpetuation of violence against women. Future studies should aim to:

Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the impact of Indonesian soap operas on women's representation and the perpetuation of violence against women.
Examine the representation of women in other forms of media, such as films and television shows.
Investigate the impact of media content on women's attitudes and behaviors towards violence against women.

References

Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Sage Publications.
AGB Nielsen Media Research. (2014). TV ratings: March 20-27, 2014.
Indonesian Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection. (2019). National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls 2019-2024.
Violence Against Women in Indonesian Soap Operas: A Descriptive Study of Qualitative Violence

Q&A: Understanding Violence Against Women in Indonesian Soap Operas

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the importance of considering the impact of media content on women's representation and the perpetuation of violence against women. By analyzing Indonesian soap operas, this study provides valuable insights into the types of violence displayed and how women are positioned in these scenes.

Q: What are the forms of violence against women displayed in Indonesian soap operas?

A: The study found that the forms of violence displayed include physical violence, psychological violence, and economic violence, with psychological violence being the most dominant. This suggests that Indonesian soap operas often portray women as victims of psychological abuse, which can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being.

Q: Why is psychological violence a concern?

A: Psychological violence is a concern because it can have a significant impact on women's mental health and well-being. When women are portrayed as victims of psychological abuse, this can reinforce negative attitudes towards women and contribute to the stigma surrounding violence against women.

Q: What are the implications of this study for soap opera makers?

A: This study highlights the importance of considering the impact of media content on women's representation and the perpetuation of violence against women. Soap opera makers have a significant responsibility to create a more positive narrative and empower women. This can be achieved by depicting women in strong and positive roles, challenging negative stereotypes, and promoting positive attitudes towards women.

Q: What can be done to promote positive attitudes towards women in Indonesian soap operas?

A: To promote positive attitudes towards women in Indonesian soap operas, soap opera makers can take several steps. Firstly, they can depict women in strong and positive roles, challenging negative stereotypes and promoting positive attitudes towards women. Secondly, they can educate their audience about gender and violence, promoting critical thinking and understanding of the context.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study only analyzed five high-rated soap operas, which may not be representative of all Indonesian soap operas. Secondly, the study only focused on the representation of women in these shows, which may not capture the full complexity of the issue. Finally, the study did not conduct a comprehensive analysis of the impact of these shows on women's representation and the perpetuation of violence against women.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future studies should aim to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the impact of Indonesian soap operas on women's representation and the perpetuation of violence against women. Additionally, future studies should examine the representation of women in other forms of media, such as films and television shows, and investigate the impact of media content on women's attitudes and behaviors towards violence against women.

Q: What can be done to promote a more positive narrative in Indonesian soap operas?

A: To promote a more positive narrative in Indonesian soap operas, soap opera makers can take several steps. Firstly, they can depict women in strong and positive roles, challenging negative stereotypes and promoting positive attitudes towards women. Secondly, they can educate their audience about gender and violence, promoting critical thinking and understanding of the context. Finally, they can work with women's organizations and advocacy groups to promote a more positive narrative and empower women.

Conclusion

This Q&A article provides valuable insights into the significance of this study, the forms of violence displayed in Indonesian soap operas, and the implications of this study for soap opera makers. By understanding the importance of promoting positive attitudes towards women in Indonesian soap operas, we can work towards creating a more just and equal society for all.