The Impact of Indian TV Serials on Society

Keelan Gould
3 min readMay 13, 2023

The Indian Television industry has come a long way since its inception in the 1950s. From a single channel broadcasting a few hours of programming a day, it has become a multi-billion-dollar industry that reaches millions of households across India. Indian TV serials have become an integral part of Indian culture, providing entertainment and moral instruction to viewers. While there is no doubt that these serials have been immensely popular, they have also been criticized for their emphasis on stereotypes and regressive values. This article examines the impact of Indian TV serials on society and whether these serials are a force for good or bad.

To begin with, it is important to note that Indian TV serials have had an immense impact on the way Indian society perceives itself. These serials often show a moralistic and idealized version of Indian culture, emphasizing traditional values and family structures. They often present the “ideal” Indian family, with the mother and father as the heads of the household, the children obedient and respectful, and the extended family providing support. This portrayal of the Indian family has shaped the way Indian society views itself and has helped to reinforce traditional values and gender roles.

However, while these serials may promote traditional values, they have also been criticized for their regressive gender roles. A frequent criticism of Indian TV serials is that they often portray women in a stereotypical and demeaning manner. Women are often shown as submissive and dependent on men, their lives revolving around the needs and desires of their husbands and in-laws. Such depictions reinforce the idea that women are second-class citizens and that men are the primary decision-makers in the family.

Furthermore, Indian TV serials have also been accused of promoting unhealthy stereotypes about certain social classes, ethnicities, and religions. They often paint certain communities in a negative light and portray them as immoral or backward. This can lead to prejudiced attitudes towards certain groups and can create a divide between members of different communities yeh rishta kya kehlata hai written update.

Finally, Indian TV serials have also been blamed for promoting materialism and consumerism. These serials often promote the idea that one can achieve happiness and success through acquiring material possessions. They also show characters who are obsessed with having the “latest” gadgets and designer clothes, which can lead viewers to believe that they need to keep up with the latest trends in order to be “cool”.

In conclusion, Indian TV serials have clearly had an enormous impact on Indian society. While they have helped to reinforce traditional values and family structures, they have also been criticized for their regressive gender roles, stereotypes, and promotion of materialism. Ultimately, it is up to the viewers to decide whether the messages portrayed in these serials are beneficial or detrimental to society.

--

--