Final answer:
Modelski's characterization of viewer identification in soap operas vs. narrative is contextualized by the studies of anthropologists examining broadcast media in non-Western societies. These studies highlight the impact of soaps on the reinforcement of cultural norms and identities, as well as the intertwining of personal stories with historical and political events in national identity and commentary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modelski's characterization of viewer identification in soap opera versus narrative relies on the cultural and social contexts in which these media forms are consumed. In the non-Western context, anthropologists like Purnima Mankekar and Lila Abu-Lughod have studied the impact of soap operas and television dramas on shaping and reflecting cultural norms and identities. Mankekar's work in India demonstrates how soap operas serve not only as entertainment but also as a means of reinforcing gender roles and religious identities, while Abu-Lughod's research in Egypt reveals how soap operas can serve as a commentary on national identity and social politics.
The relationship between broadcast media and religious identities is well-illustrated by Mankekar's analysis of Indian television serials, particularly those based on Hindu epics which promote certain ideals of Indian womanhood. Similarly, Abu-Lughod's analysis of Hilmiyya Nights demonstrates how Egyptian television dramas embed personal stories within historical and political events, thereby engaging viewers in issues of modernity and national unity in a culturally significant way. These analyses reveal the complex ways in which soap operas and television dramas can both reflect and shape cultural and religious identities and experiences.