Representation of Family Life in Soaps

Opinions Of Soaps Television researchers have established a number of reasons why soap operas appeal to such a large and diverse audience. In an interview women were asked why they actually like soap operas and they claimed that it was due to their undemanding natures, the interesting story lines and the ability to become emotionally involved in the programme. The women made distinctions between American and British soaps describing British soaps as 'down-to-earth' and American ones as 'fantasy'.It was also found that they spoke more favourably about the female characters suggesting that they are more interesting to watch than the males. However, they admired J.R. in Dallas for his powerful personality and Bobby's attractive physique.

It is important to keep in mind that the 'realism' of a soap opera can only truly be judged by those living in the area in which it is set. British soaps are often viewed as being realistic because of their emphasis on the everyday happenings of life and their depictions of the working classes who in reality, constitute the mass of the British population. The close-up shot characteristically used in soaps enables viewers to focus on the characters' emotions and to understand most, if not all of the actions depicted.

Some viewers obtain enjoyment from being able to acknowledge the 'true' emotions of the characters when they typically hide them behind a mask, for example, Bet Lynch (from Coronation Street) is admired for putting on a brave face when times are tough at the Rovers Return (the local pub in the series). In this way, the characters are emotional representatives, inviting the audience to partake in the arising issues and conflicts, in order that they may seek temporary solutions to the problems they are experiencing in real life.

About Soaps Soaps typically represent the mother as 'all powerful'; the family source of strength. Pauline Fowler in Eastenders provides the emotional and financial support needed to keep her family 'afloat'. With emphasis in soaps being placed upon the family, it is no surprise for the viewer to see lodgers, for example, Curly Watts (from Coronation Street); and foster families such as Pippa Ross's family in Home and Away.

Soaps, especially eastenders are very often advertised on the front of T.V guides, as an eye catcher. Heres an example.

What soaps do to people Theory recognises that watching soaps is a social process. It validates the woman's role in the home as 'housewife' and 'mother'. It was suggested that soaps were designed to be talked about because the audience must fill the gaps in between episodes. ’Tertiary text' is used to describe the conversations people have about the programmes they have watched. Research has shown that this occurs for some time after having watched a soap, often taking place outside the home, for example, between friends at school or at the workplace. Research has shown that this occurs for some time after having watched a soap, often taking place outside the home, for example, between friends at school or at the workplace.

Soap opera conventions, for example, when a character leaves to go on holiday (when in real life he/she is temporarily ill in hospital); are also mentioned. It was suggested that women thrive on gossip because it gives them the freedom to express their opinions in an unpressured environment. Similarly, its recognised that part of the soap opera's attraction lies in predicting, rehearsing and telling others about the current events and plots. They gain a reactive pleasure in seeing other women express their feelings and are free to gossip about the characters because they know there is no harm in doing so.

Families rely on soaps to trigger debate Most parents rely on the television and radio soaps to trigger discussion of "difficult" personal subjects with their children, according to research published today by the National Family and Parenting Institute. But the dramatists' portrayal of families bears little relation to real life and there is consistent over-representation of broken marriages and under-representation of gays, lesbians and bisexuals, the institute said after detailed analysis of Coronation Street, EastEnders, Brookside and The Archers.

"The majority of the parents surveyed in depth for the research said that they did discuss soap stories with their families, and that soaps were helpful in bringing up issues for discussion," it said. Two-thirds believed that storylines could help children and young people to understand about family life and 60% that soaps could show how families could support each other. But 80% thought the soaps did not promote positive images of the family, highlighting too many scenes of sex and violence, a high level of infidelity, alcohol abuse and an overall feeling of negativity.

After analysing the programmes for a month, the researchers concluded that Coronation Street had the most highly stereotyped characters, but also showed the most positive relationships between fathers and children. Brookside - which has just been cancelled - featured the most effective family support, and the most family crises. There was little conflict in The Archers, but EastEnders featured scenes of serious conflict throughout, which frequently erupted into physical violence.

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