Gender representations in political cartoons: The case of Gırgır Magazine

In this study, it is aimed to examine the representations containing gender stereotypes in the political cartoons of Gırgır magazine, which has an important place among the humor magazines published in Turkey. Humor through caricature is a frequently-used form of expression in Turkey and it presents to its readers several issues that concerns the society from within the daily life. In this sense, caricature is in constant relation with politics and constitutes an important means to express political criticism. However, while expressing such criticism gender stereotypes are frequently used and this renders political cartoon a field that reproduce gender inequality. In line with this perspective, in this thesis, gender representations in the political cartoons published on the cover pages of Gırgır Magazine between 1972-1989, which plays a decisive role in shaping the formats of cartoon magazines published in Turkey today, were examined. As a result, it is concluded that the political cartoons of the magazine include representations that will reinforce gender stereotypes and they use demasculinization or feminization of political leaders as a means of political opposition.