Towards social change or reproduction of the same old narrative : a qualitative content analysis of the coverage of femicide in Austrian media in 2021

Abstract

Femicide is a global phenomenon, which scholars, activists, and international and national organizations define as the killing of women and girls because of their gender. According to police statistics, 41 women were killed by their partner, former partner, or family member in Austria in 2018. It is a dismal record in this country. In recent years, the concept of femicide has gained attention in international public debate. The media plays an essential role in raising awareness on this topic. However, news coverages often reproduce harmful racial stereotypes and myths, including voyeuristic elements and sensationalism. Since the refugee crisis, media and governing parties frequently refer to "imported violence," instrumentalizing femicides for racist and political agenda. This thesis aim is to contribute to the media discourse of genderbased violence in reporting by examining selected Austrian newspapers in 2021, with a focus on the framing of femicides and the differences between foreign and national perpetrators. Gender-sensitive and nuanced reporting can convey facts and knowledge while highlighting the systematic problem rooted in patriarchal social structures. The media can play an essential role in combating violence against women.