The construction of hegemonic masculinity in superhero series within the framework of feminist film theory: The example of The Boys series

Cinema and television often have a unique art language that has the potential to reflect reality and deal with social elements. For this reason, it can be claimed that the traditional patriarchal thought system and masculine point of view are also effective in movies and television series. At this point, the aim of this study is to evaluate the existence of this patriarchal understanding in today's digital television series and to focus on superhero series that deal with the values of power and violence that domination encodes for men. In addition, questioning the sexist and male-dominated norms in superhero series and presenting an alternative perspective can be expressed as another aim of this thesis. In this context, The Boys series was determined as a sample and the first two seasons of the related production were analyzed within the framework of the concepts of hegemonic masculinity and male gaze using semiotic and feminist critical discourse analysis methods. As a result of the examination, it has been concluded that the patriarchal understanding in movies and television series is also seen in The Boys series and that the indicators and themes it contains are based on masculine dynamics such as power, violence and oppression that reinforce hegemonic masculinity values. In addition, it has been concluded that this determination may lead to understandings that leave female characters in a passive position and repeat male dominated norms.