The representatin of female healthcare professinals in Turkish television series

The concept of representation has been a central subject in the field of art for centuries. Traces of representation can be found in every artistic creation. The history of art, which has evolved over the years, has been shaped by numerous historical, political, and social events. These events have significantly influenced the transformation of artistic forms, leading to constant shifts in artistic expression. The notion of representation, rooted in the concept of mimesis as discussed by philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato, has been a frequently debated topic in both philosophical and artistic domains. This concept, inherently present in every staged work, manifests not only in visual and auditory arts but also in literary texts. With the advent of photography and cinema, discussions around representation have become even more prominent. This study focuses on the representations of female healthcare professionals in Turkish television series through the theoretical lens of representation. Recent popular series such as Mucize Doktor, Bahar, and Hekimoğlu have been selected as case studies. The portrayals of female healthcare professionals in these series were examined using content analysis methodology. The aim of the study is to provide a critical perspective on how female healthcare workers are represented in Turkish TV dramas and to contribute to the existing literature on media and gender representation. The findings of the research reveal that the narratives in these series often reproduce and reinforce traditional gender roles. It has been observed that the roles of female healthcare professionals are shaped significantly through the lens of media, and their professional identities are frequently intertwined with societal expectations and emotional labor. This study emphasizes the role of television fiction in shaping public perceptions of women in the healthcare sector.