The role of cartoons in the construction of gender: A sociological analysis on the case of Pepee

In the society we live in, technology is advancing each passing day and at the same time, developing technology leaves deep marks in people's lives. Cartoons, which are especially effective on children, have caused children to learn everything from here. Gender stereotypes that are dominant in the culture of the society are reconstructed via cartoons and therefore these stereotypes gain more power in time. It is also possible to see gender stereotypes in cartoons that are often watched by children. In this study, it has been tried to reveal how gender is constructed in cartoons. Since children spend their time in front of television throughout the day, it is known that programs prepared children to perpetuate gender stereotypes in the messages they convey to the society. In this study, gender roles were examined via the cartoon Pepee, one of the cartoons on TRT Child channel for many years. In the first part of the study, basic concepts related to gender is explained. In the second part, includes the methodology of the research. In the third part of the research, the conceptual and theoretical framework of gender was discussed and the researches on this subject were examined. In the fourth chapter, Pepee cartoon was analyzed in terms of gender stereotypes. In the fifth chapter, a general evaluation was made about the findings reached as a result of the research. This study was conducted using qualitative content analysis. In the study, 30 episodes of Pepe cartoon were analysed in terms of gender stereotypes, and findings were reached by watching each episode of the cartoon acompanied by the viewing form. As a result of the research, it is seen that the cartoon reinforces the cultural characteristics of the society from the past and traditional gender stereotypes. At the same time, it has been determined that there are values that do not conflict with social norms by adapting to the society they live in with the influence of popular culture.