TELENOVELAS AND NARCONOVELAS: LOVE AND INTIMACY IN CALI, COLOMBIA

Abstract

This thesis explores the importance of Latin American soap operas – henceforth telenovelas – and narconovelas – contemporary audiovisual productions inspired in the phenomenon of drug trafficking in Colombia – in the understandings of participant’s interpretations of love and sexuality in Cali, Colombia. To examine this connection, this thesis takes into consideration the perspective of the participants who took part of this research. Female and male participants inform about not only how love and sexuality is portrayed in telenovelas and narco-series, but also how they understand these notions in their personal experiences. The findings from this intersection suggest there is a counter-narrative that challenges a hegemonic vision on how gender relations should operate, indicating some sort of agency in the production of meaning. Also, love and sexuality are located within a narco-culture – a culture permeated by the phenomenon of drug trafficking – that reinforces old patriarchal values in which heteronormativity rules.