Media Representation of Identity and Social Issues in the Series Wednesday
Abstract
This paper focuses on the representation of identity and social issues in the episodic drama Wednesday, which addresses several taboo and marginalised topics, such as bullying, discrimination, social stigmatisation, and gender and social differences. The research is based on representation theory and other communication concepts that highlight the performative nature of identity and the mechanisms of “othering”. Wednesday uses narrative and characters to initiate conversations about marginalisation and journeys of self-discovery in the context of contemporary social trends and media influences. The paper also emphasizes the importance of the media as a tool for social education, prevention, and for building an inclusive society. It examines specific scenes and narratives from the first and second season that illustrate the dynamics of marginalisation, the struggle for self-definition and the overcoming of social barriers. Additionally, it examines how Netflix’s audiovisual production influences public opinion, promotes social inclusion, and encourages more ethical content production. Contemporary episodic works are an important means of raising social awareness and cultivating empathy within popular culture.
Key words
Episodic Series. Media Representation. Netflix. Self-Identifications. Social Issues. Wednesday.
Magalová, L., & Furtáková, L. (2025). Media Representations of Identity and Social Issues in the Series Wednesday. European Journal of Media, Art & Photography, 13(2), 104-111. https://doi.org/10.34135/ejmap-25-02-06
Media Representation of Identity and Social Issues in the Series Wednesday © 2025 by Lucia Magalová, Lucia Furtáková is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
