Representation of Chinese-Thai families through television soap operas

Abstract

The research of “Representation of Chinese-Thai families through television soap operas” is qualitative research using textual analysis methods from the television soap operas: DaiDaeng (2019), Repercussion (2019), SanaeNangNgiew (2018), and In Family We Trust (2018). As well as audience analysis with the objective of studying the representation of Thai-Chinese families in television soap operas. Also the decoding of images of Chinese-Thai family representatives appearing in television soap operas of Thai-Chinese family members through in-depth interviews under the context of Chinese-Thai families in current Thai society.

The results showed that the scripted of television drama compared to the perception according to the main norm of society consists of (1) the family is the area that is trying to maintain the original values, i.e. gratitude is the virtue that must be adhered to; and diligence to make a living, morality creates self-worth; (2) the family is a space to negotiate inconsistent traditions, such as honoring men and gender equality; from an extended family to a single family and (3) the strategy of establishing legitimacy through the language of television soap operas. The decoding of family members who are comparative audiences between their own reality and the representations presented in the script consists of (1) the challenges of traditions and norms facing television audiences, i.e. generations; new generation and the changed of consciousness in the representation of Chinese – Thai families and (2) the roles and responsibilities of television soap operas and the audience's self reflexive, i.e. the individual level, the level of relationship between family members, and the different levels of family structure.