Presentation of rape in Turkish television series: The example of "Iffet"

Since mass media is seen as ?the forth power?, it?s accepted that television has great effects on society. Television contents construct and also reinforce the social norms. One of the most discussed contents of the television, which is considered to be the carrier of the ideologies, is violence.Especially the violence against women is one of the most destructive results of social inequalities and male dominance. And undoubtly, the most hurtful way of the violence against women is rape. In this study, how the rape fact which depends on gender inequalities is presented and legitimized in Turkish television series was searched. For this purpose, the chosen television series ?Iffet? was analyzed by using semiotic analysis and discourse analysis methods together.As a result, it?s found that the social gender norms and rape are presented acceptable as a way of male dominance. It?s not perceived as a crime but as a result of male instincts. Moreover, women accept these facts as the way they are. Patriarchal ideology is being maintained in television series.