Between the Lines: Depictions of Transgender Victims in News Print Media

Abstract

Crime consumes much of the space in American newspapers and airtime on television news broadcasts. For many individuals, this is their primary exposure to crime and thus the source from which they form opinions and perceptions about these matters. Similarly, the news media also often serve as a source of information on different minority groups. Much research has been dedicated to how the news media portray crimes and victims in general, but no research exists on how, specifically transgender victims are represented. A content analysis was utilized to explore the technology used to talk about transgender victims, the names and pronouns by which they are identified, and the inclusion of extraneous information that may perpetuate stereotypes or victim blame. Since no research has previously addressed the depiction of transgender victims in the news, it is important that studies be conducted to assess how fairly and accurately news outlets are when portraying these victims. This thesis examines the ways in which transgender victims are portrayed in print media and discusses how these portrayals influence the reader's perception of the individual and provides suggestions for the media.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2006

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Mustaine, Elizabeth E.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

Sociology

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021995

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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