Societal pressures in Telenovelas

In the novela El Cartel there is an evident and recurring theme of societal pressures that ultimately influences the poor choices made by Martin as he considers the balance between his love life and the persuasive drug cartel. The ever present temptation of money causes Martin to make rash decisions, but eventually love prevails. However, the internal battle was expressed through the actions of the protagonist and the effects, both positive and negative, that it oftentimes had on the people around him. Although, this is not the only situation where societal pressure is the dominant influencer on a situation.

In other novelas, societal pressure can be expressed in the ever present relational drama between the protagonist and various other influential figures. For example, the presence of an overbearing parent or even a villain can influence the ultimate decision of the protagonist. In the case of El Cartel, Martin's love interest, Sofia puts pressure on him to choose love, rather than the enticing nature of the powerful drug cartel. 

There is also a constant struggle of the balance of societal pressure in today's world. Each day we are faced with decisions in which we must take other's opinions into account. Thus, they are reflected more dramatically throughout the lives of those in telenovelas.