Tides of Change: How Philippine Mermaid Teleseryes Portray Women’s Empowerment Through Mythical Identity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajywe.v5i1.7768Keywords:
Characterization, Gender Performativity, Mermaid Teleserye, Mythical Identity, Women’s EmpowermentAbstract
This study explores how Philippine mermaid teleseryes portray women’s empowerment through mythical identity, addressing the limited research on empowerment in fantasy narratives and symbolic representations in media. Using qualitative content analysis, the study examines Marina (2004), Dyesebel (2008), Mutya (2011), and Aryana (2012) as cultural texts. Guided by Empowerment Theory, Characterization Theory, and Gender Performativity Theory, the analysis focuses on how agency, character development, and gender roles shape empowered mermaid identities. Findings reveal that empowerment is expressed through decision-making, resistance, autonomy, and emotional growth rather than passive femininity. The study also shows that empowerment evolves across the teleseryes, shifting from individual and reactive actions to more conscious and purposeful forms of self-determination. Additionally, the portrayal of mermaid characters reflects changing societal attitudes toward women’s roles, highlighting a transition from traditional and passive representations to more active, assertive, and complex identities. Overall, the findings suggest that mermaid teleseryes serve as symbolic spaces where women negotiate identity, challenge gender norms, and redefine empowerment within Philippine media.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Darryl Imperial, Jeraldine Andre E. Aripal, Paula Nicole Entero, Karylle Muaña, Keith Louise Salada, Glen Allan Tagalog, Rodolfo Pacto, Keith Julia B. Pactulin
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