This thesis explores the framing of the burqa ban in the Dutch media over the past decade, focusing on the divergence between left-wing (Volkskrant) and right-wing (Telegraaf) newspapers, potential...Show moreThis thesis explores the framing of the burqa ban in the Dutch media over the past decade, focusing on the divergence between left-wing (Volkskrant) and right-wing (Telegraaf) newspapers, potential polarizing frames, and the shifts in media narratives pre and post-implementation of the ban. The analysis is guided by framing theory, which shows the dominant frames visible in the newspapers and explores the dynamic interplay between media, public opinion, and politics. A framework of five frames, guided by Semetko and Valkenburg’s frames, has been constructed for this research. These are the Moral, Political, Societal Impact, Policy Conflict, and Security frames. The Volkskrant is characterized as progressive and socially oriented. The dominant frame between 2012 and 2022 has been the Societal Impact frame, emphasizing the ban’s consequences for society. In contrast, the Telegraaf, known for its activist and critical stance, used the Political Conflict frame the most often, focusing on discussions around implementing the ban. Contrary to expectations, the study has not identified a polarizing trend over time in the analysis. Moreover, it was concluded that the newspapers are growing convergent with their opinions concerning the burqa ban. When looking at the impact the implementation of the burqa ban has had on the dominant frames, a shift is visible post-implementation. Both newspapers have increased the use of the Societal Impact frame, increasing attention to the law’s implications. Looking forward, this thesis suggests additional research, including an exploration of the beginning of the debate in 2005, the recent victory of Wilders’ PVV, and other newspapers.Show less
Historically, media coverage has been consistently negative, depicting refugees as national security threats, or burdens on public resources and services. This narrative is particularly prevalent...Show moreHistorically, media coverage has been consistently negative, depicting refugees as national security threats, or burdens on public resources and services. This narrative is particularly prevalent for non-Western refugees, who are frequently stigmatized as the “other” in comparison to the host society. Studies on the migratory influx from the Russo-Ukraine war has observed a contrasting narrative for Ukrainian refugees, who are portrayed in a more positive manner, and similar to the ingroup. Within this context, this thesis explores the media framing of Afghan refugees and Ukrainian refugees in a comparative analysis through the focus on orientalist stereotypes in the securitisation process. By integrating the theories of securitisation and orientalism, this study examines the portrayal of Ukrainian and Afghan refugees through the frames of victim and threat. This research conducted a critical discourse analysis on these frames in order to determine the presence of orientalist biases in securitisation and compare the portrayal of both refugee groups. The findings reveal that Afghan refugees are more frequently depicted as threats through orientalist stereotypes related to crime and violence, whereas Ukrainian refugees were predominantly framed as victims, with more positive imagery encapsulating their humanity and resilience. Based on these findings, this research has commented on possible societal implications, such as anti-migratory sentiments and policy, that can manifest in islamophobia, xenophobia and restrictive migration policies.Show less
