THE REPRESENTATION OF GENDER BIAS IN FILM DUA HATI BIRU (ROLAND BARTHES SEMIOTIC ANALISIS)

Abstract

This study aims to interpret the representation of gender bias in the film Dua Hati Biru using Roland Barthes' semiotic interpretation, referring to how film as a cultural work becomes a factor of social constructionism and reflection on gender roles in a patriarchal society. This film is a continuation of the film Dua Garis Biru which depicts the dynamics of the lifestyle of the newlywed couple Bima and Dara who experience many social and psychological conflicts based on gender role inconsistencies. The representation of women and men in this film illustrates how stereotypes and cultural norms play a role in shaping expectations and acting towards individuals based on gender. Using qualitative descriptive methods, the researcher analyzed ten selected scenes that show power relations between genders in the context of households, childcare, and careers. The analysis was carried out by identifying signs (signifiers), signified, and cultural myths contained in scenes, dialogues, settings, and other visual symbols. It turns out that the results of the study show that this film implicitly and explicitly embeds gender inequality, such as men in decision-making, the double burden of women at home, and social pressure on the ideals of mothers and fathers. Providing something that represents not only depicts social reality in Indonesia, but can also influence audience opinion towards gender norms. This finding reinforces the urgency of critical awareness towards media content and the need for more inclusive and gender-fair film production. Thus, this study adds a contribution to the academic and social discourse on gender bias in popular media, as well as being an important reference book for filmmakers, educators, and gender activists to provoke more equal social change through visual media.