Voices Unheard, Stories Untold. A Qualitative Content Analysis of Gender Bias in War Reporting and Human Rights Journalism as a Viable Alternative
Voices Unheard, Stories Untold. A Qualitative Content Analysis of Gender Bias in War Reporting and Human Rights Journalism as a Viable Alternative
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Date
2023
Authors
Dierynck, Jozefien
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Global Campus of Human Rights
Abstract
In a world marked by numerous conflicts and violence, war
reporting plays a significant role in shaping public understanding
and perceptions of, as well as reactions to, war. However, concerns
have been raised about the presence of gender bias and the
perpetuation of patriarchal norms within war reporting, as it perpetuates
gender bias in society as a whole and has negative consequences
on peacebuilding processes and approaches to human
rights violations. This master’s thesis aims to uncover the presence
of gender bias and the patriarchal paradigm in war reporting.
By utilising a qualitative content analysis to examine war reporting
characteristics in three prominent news outlets – The Guardian,
De Standaard and Al Jazeera – this research explores the representation
of women’s voices, experiences, and contributions,
as well as the reinforcement or challenge of traditional gender
roles and power dynamics. Additionally, the study acknowledges
the significance of alternative approaches such as peace journalism
and human rights journalism to get to more balanced, inclusive,
ethically responsible and humane journalism that prioritises
the protection of human rights in conflict situations. The analysis
reveals recurring themes in war reporting. Conclusions indicate
that gender bias and the patriarchal paradigm persist in war reporting,
with the portrayal of women reinforcing traditional gender
roles. Female agency, experiences and contributions are often
overlooked and marginalised or serve to bolster patriarchal, patriotic,
strategic or elitist discourse. However, some positive developments
towards peace journalism and, to a lesser extent, human
rights journalism, are noted, highlighting a more people-oriented
and solution-oriented approach with a focus on exposing human
rights violations.
Keywords: journalism, war reporting, gender bias, patriarchy,
human rights, peace journalism, human rights journalism
Description
Second semester University: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Keywords
gender,
journalism,
armed conflict,
war,
patriarchy,
women