ROLE OF PAPA SHIRANDULA TELEVISION DRAMA SERIES IN FRAMING THE POSITION OF A MAN AND WOMAN IN KAKAMEGA TOWN

Television drama series has far reaching effects on the viewers` perception of social issues such as sustainable development in every culture and society. This study examined the role of Papa Shirandula television drama series in framing the position of a man and woman in Kakamega town. Specific objectives included; to examine the perception of men and women by the Viewers of the TV drama series and to assess the effect of Papa Shirandula TV drama in stereotyping femininity and masculinity on the viewers. The study employed social construction of reality theory. The research was carried out among the residents of Kakamega municipality who are audiences of Papa Shirandula TV show. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The target population was 442 from which a sample of 133 household heads were derived using simple Random sampling technique. Interviews, focused group discussions and textual analysis were used to generate data. Data analysis was done using the qualitative data analysis techniques. Reliability and validity of the Research instruments were ensured through a pilot study. The results show that femininity was portrayed in terms of a woman being a house wife, homemaker and mother; ignorant, inferior, emotional and dependent on men while masculinity was portrayed in terms of a man being a breadwinner, head of family, superior, non-emotional, independent and decision maker. These stereotypes directly match with the viewers` cultural perception of femininity and masculinity. In conclusion, the role of Papa Shirandula television drama Series demeans the position of a woman while exalting the position of the man in Kakamega town and in Kenya at large. This replicates and reinforce stereotypes of men and women already existing in the society. The study recommended that television drama content creators ought to develop content devoid of the traditional gender stereotypes and aim at ensuring gender equality and incorporate emerging issues that younger generation can relate to and learn from