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
This thesis explores the aims of Israeli-Palestinian musical coproducers while contributing to conflict transformation. Inspired by the growing number of collaborative and multicultural artistic...Show moreThis thesis explores the aims of Israeli-Palestinian musical coproducers while contributing to conflict transformation. Inspired by the growing number of collaborative and multicultural artistic initiatives in conflict contexts, this thesis will seek to establish starting empirical evidence of musicians' intentions in disputes. Through the conceptual lens of conflict transformation, it will focus on the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict, using the first account of the Dugri Duo to investigate the musicians’ aims. These aims’ plausibility will be checked by analysing if they resonate with other musical coproducers’ work. It conducts an exploratory study aiming to examine the claims made by the theoretical literature and possibly provide fresh insights. The research will start with three hypotheses drawn from the literature: musicians aim to challenge conflictual narratives, leverage trauma, and inspire to educate their audience. By engaging in an interview and a qualitative content analysis of the most relevant musical coproducers in Israel-Palestine, the thesis will investigate the plausibility of these hypotheses, leaving spaces for new revelations.Show less
Mass Media and Public Opinion constitute crucial fields in most democratic societies. Yet, their relationship remains uncertain in terms of causality. Some researchers argue that mass media have a...Show moreMass Media and Public Opinion constitute crucial fields in most democratic societies. Yet, their relationship remains uncertain in terms of causality. Some researchers argue that mass media have a significant influence on public opinion, while others contend that public opinion is shaped primarily by real-world events and in turn influences their media coverage. The case study of this paper is the American media coverage of the Israeli settlements. The stimulus for this study was the change in American public opinion; in particular, a 2021 survey revealed a slight rise in the support for the Palestinian side and a gradual decrease in the support for the Israeli one, which is a rare phenomenon, given that the American public opinion has remained stable and pro-Israeli for a long time. Therefore, the question that has been generated based on the change in the American polls is whether this decrease in the support of the Israelis is aligning with the framing being used by the media and specifically with the coverage of the Israeli settlements.Show less
The word innovation has existed ever since humanity started, and that word has had different meanings throughout history. It has gone through many changes when at times it was considered a sin or...Show moreThe word innovation has existed ever since humanity started, and that word has had different meanings throughout history. It has gone through many changes when at times it was considered a sin or heresy to a definition that embodies prosperity and growth, it rather continuously shifts from having a negative connotation to a positive meaning. The aim of this research is to discover what innovation means to Egyptian workers in the technology industry through qualitative discourse analysis, trying to tap into their concept of innovation by conducting in-depth interviews using both inductive and deductive approaches.Show less
Abstract: Previous literature on the role of food in the diaspora indicates that social groups communicate their identity to outsiders through culinary culture and traditional recipes. What food is...Show moreAbstract: Previous literature on the role of food in the diaspora indicates that social groups communicate their identity to outsiders through culinary culture and traditional recipes. What food is produced, how it is cooked and with what available ingredients it is prepared has extremely meaningful cultural implications, especially in circumstances of migration, hardship and loss. Social media, however, has profoundly blurred the boundaries of knowledge implicit to social groups and “followers” who do not belong to the community, but who still consume food content online. In a way, social media has brought the traditionally domestic practice of food culture onto a public platform. On this platform, exclusion and praise have faced diaspora communities in relation to their cuisine in the food influencer community. Publicity, sponsorship and an international audience have changed how the Palestinian diaspora relates to its identity-marking food practices.Show less
Undoubtedly one of the much lesser known schools of Islam, Ibadism may also be considered one of the most secretive among the various Islamic sects. Solely to be found in Oman as official state...Show moreUndoubtedly one of the much lesser known schools of Islam, Ibadism may also be considered one of the most secretive among the various Islamic sects. Solely to be found in Oman as official state religion, it sets the country apart from any other Arab Muslim state. The same can be said of the Sultanate’s unique foreign policy in the region. Often explained with reference to the alleged tolerance and peacefulness emanating from Ibadism, Oman’s ‘foreign policy of zero problems’ is unparalleled in the Arab world and beyond. A solid foundation for this supposed nexus between the country’s official religion and its peculiar foreign policy, however, remains lacking. On the basis of a social-constructivist role theory, this research paper investigates the soundness of this supposition. Involving a thematic analysis of Oman’s participation in UN General Assemblies over the years as well as a careful examination of its foreign policy in practice, this research paper assesses the role of Ibadism with reference to its main principles in accounting for Oman’s foreign policy behaviour. The conclusion is drawn that the ideational factor of religion in the form of Ibadism does serve as a convincing account by which to make sense of an overall trend in Oman’s distinctive foreign policy behaviour, namely Oman’s efforts at seeking peace with its regional counterparts.Show less
