The “strong femalecharacter”: representationand stereotype of femininity in brazilian police series

Abstract

In this text, we examine the representation of female police officers in Brazilian TV series in dialogue with the so-called “strong female character” stereotype – a portrayal that attributes to women codes traditionally associated with “hegemonic masculinity.” The theoretical framework draws on studies of social representation, media circulation and the concept of “gender performance”. As case studies, we analyze the series A Justiceira (TV Globo, 1997), Rotas do Ódio (Universal TV, 2018), and Bom Dia, Verônica (Netflix,2020), identifying in the protagonists their visual representations, behaviors, and motivations. Among the findings, we note the predominance of white female leads, the frequent use of dark/neutral-toned clothing, and, notably, the presence of narratives that contrast reason and emotion – associated with the distinction between masculinity and femininity.