Portrayals of Gender Based Violence in Selected Locally Produced Soap Operas in Kenya and Their Influence on Audience Behaviour

Abstract

This study used an explanatory sequential design study to explore multiple realities germane to gender-based violence. The focus was social realities that have been constructed by producers of soap operas in Kenya for their audience from 2007 to 2020. The primary objective was to interrogate soap opera narratives as sources of viewer prejudices and to identify social change in beliefs, attitudes and actions among all stakeholders in the GBV narrative: producers, viewers, policy makers and human rights activists. The research is significant because GBV is a complex and multifaceted issue influenced by cultural, social, economic, and systemic factors. The study was grounded in the theoretical paradigms of framing, social constructivism and media representation. Three research methods were used: content analysis, FGDs and semi-structured interviews. The instruments used included a coding sheet for content analysis, an FGD guide and an interview schedule for semi-structured interviews. Probability sampling was used to select episodes of the soap operas Mother-in-law and Makutano Junction for content analysis. Multistage sampling identified a homogeneous sample of participants of FGDs based on gender and age. Additionally, twenty-four key informants from the production teams of the two soap operas and staff from media regulatory or ethical organisations were purposively sampled. Data was stored securely in encrypted computer-based files. Quantitative data was coded, entered into Excel, cleaned and imported into the SPSS for both descriptive and inferential analysis. Qualitative data was transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. Findings indicate that Mother-in-law and Makutano Junction normalise, trivialise and misrepresent GBV. They use stereotypes and biased language rather than representing an objective view or a life free of violence. These soap operas also perpetuate harmful cultural and ethnic stereotypes and reinforce traditional gender roles, which potentially influence audience attitudes towards men and women in society. The portrayals validate violence by excluding justification for violence and consequences for the perpetrators and victims. The lens used in the portrayal is gynocentric and misandrist. These findings contribute to theoretical frameworks on media effects and inform practical interventions aimed at addressing GBV in media and the broader Kenyan society. By uncovering these dynamics, the study lays the groundwork for further research and supports the gender mainstreaming of soap operas to promote prosocial constructions and challenge antisocial opinions and attitudes related to GBV.