Increasing Prominence of Prejudice-Denouncing Terminology in Global News Media Since 2010

Основні поняття

News media worldwide have significantly increased their usage of terms that denounce prejudice, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia, since the early 2010s.

Анотація

The study analyzes the prevalence of prejudice-denouncing terminology and social justice-related language in over 98 million news and opinion articles across 124 popular news media outlets from 36 countries representing 6 different world regions: the English-speaking West, continental Europe, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Persian Gulf region, and Asia.
The key findings are:

The post-2010 increasing prominence of prejudice-denouncing terms in news media is a global phenomenon, not limited to the U.S. and the U.K.
Different world regions emphasize distinct types of prejudice with varying degrees of intensity. Racial prejudice is most prevalent in the West, while gender prejudice is more prominent in Latin America and the West.
The United States news media does not appear to have been the first in the world to increase the frequency of prejudice coverage in their content. Other countries, such as Sweden, Colombia, and Canada, began increasing the usage of prejudice-denouncing terminology earlier than the U.S.
The dynamics of prejudice-denouncing terminology are highly correlated with the prevalence of terms often associated with positive social justice discourse, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion, across most countries.

The study raises important questions about the root causes driving the global increase in the prominence of prejudice-related terminology in news media, such as changes in societal attitudes, media incentives, and intellectual homogeneity in newsrooms.

Статистика

"Previous research has identified a post-2010 sharp increase of terms used to denounce prejudice (i.e. racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, etc.) in U.S. and U.K. news media content."
"The large degree of temporal synchronicity with which the studied set of terms increased in news media across a vast majority of countries raises important questions about the root causes driving this phenomenon."
"The topic of racial prejudice is very prevalent in English-speaking Western countries, continental Europe and some Persian Gulf region countries like Israel and Qatar. Prevalence of this topic is lowest in sub-Saharan African (with the exception of South Africa) and Latin American countries (with the exception of Brazil)."
"The topic of gender prejudice is most prevalent in the West (both English-speaking countries and continental Europe) and Latin America. The topic is least prevalent in several Gulf region countries, Asian and African countries."

Цитати

"The large degree of temporal synchronicity with which the studied set of terms increased in news media across a vast majority of countries raises important questions about the root causes driving this phenomenon."
"The United States news media, on average, was not first in increasing deployment of references to terms that signify prejudice and that news media from countries such as Sweden, Colombia or Canada began to increase the deployment of prejudice denouncing terminology earlier than news media from the United States."

Ключові висновки, отримані з

Mentions of Prejudice in News Media -- An International Comparison

by David Rozado о arxiv.org 05-06-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2304.01596.pdf

Глибші Запити

What are the potential societal and political implications of the increasing prominence of prejudice-denouncing terminology in global news media?

The increasing prevalence of prejudice-denouncing terminology in global news media can have significant societal and political implications. On the societal front, it can lead to heightened awareness and sensitivity towards issues of discrimination and bias. By consistently highlighting instances of prejudice, news media can contribute to shaping public perceptions and attitudes towards marginalized groups. This increased visibility can potentially lead to greater empathy, support for social justice initiatives, and a more inclusive society.
Politically, the use of prejudice-denouncing terminology in news media can influence policy discussions and decision-making. When news outlets consistently report on issues related to prejudice, it can put pressure on policymakers to address systemic inequalities and enact legislation that promotes equality and diversity. Additionally, the media's role in agenda-setting can influence public opinion on political matters, potentially shaping electoral outcomes and policy priorities.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to the increased focus on prejudice-denouncing terminology. It may lead to polarization and division in society, as discussions around prejudice can be contentious and evoke strong emotions. There is also a risk of oversimplification or misrepresentation of complex social issues, which can hinder constructive dialogue and problem-solving.

How might the varying emphasis on different types of prejudice across world regions reflect underlying cultural, historical, or political differences between these regions?

The varying emphasis on different types of prejudice across world regions likely reflects the unique cultural, historical, and political contexts of each region. For example, the prevalence of racial prejudice in Western countries may be influenced by their colonial histories and struggles with racial inequality. In contrast, regions with different historical backgrounds, such as the Middle East or Asia, may prioritize other forms of prejudice based on their specific social dynamics and historical experiences.
Cultural norms and values also play a significant role in shaping the emphasis on different types of prejudice. For instance, gender prejudice may be more prominent in societies with traditional gender roles, while religious prejudice may be more pronounced in regions with diverse religious populations and historical conflicts.
Political factors, such as government policies and social movements, can also influence the emphasis on specific types of prejudice. Countries with strong advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, for example, may have a higher focus on prejudice related to sexual orientation and gender identity in their news media.
Overall, the varying emphasis on different types of prejudice across world regions underscores the complexity of social issues and the need to consider the unique context of each region when addressing issues of discrimination and bias.

Could the synchronicity of the trends observed in this study be indicative of a coordinated effort to shape global discourse on issues of prejudice and social justice, and if so, what might be the motivations and mechanisms behind such coordination?

The synchronicity of the trends observed in the study could potentially indicate a coordinated effort to shape global discourse on issues of prejudice and social justice. While it is challenging to definitively prove coordination, several factors could contribute to the simultaneous increase in the usage of prejudice-denouncing terminology across different countries.
One possible motivation for such coordination could be the desire to address systemic inequalities and promote social change on a global scale. Advocates for social justice may collaborate across borders to amplify their messages and push for greater awareness and action on issues of prejudice.
Media organizations, especially those with international reach, may also play a role in shaping global discourse through shared editorial standards, partnerships, or industry trends. The interconnected nature of the media landscape, with news outlets often referencing each other's reporting, could contribute to the spread of certain narratives and terminology.
Additionally, the rise of social media and digital platforms has facilitated the rapid dissemination of information and ideas, allowing for the quick adoption of trends and terminology across different regions. Influencers, activists, and advocacy groups may leverage these platforms to coordinate messaging and campaigns around issues of prejudice and social justice.
Overall, while it is challenging to pinpoint specific mechanisms of coordination, the synchronicity of trends in news media coverage suggests a shared focus on addressing prejudice and promoting social justice globally. The motivations behind such coordination likely stem from a shared commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion on a worldwide scale.