Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Criminology
Faculty/School
Faculty of Arts
First Advisor
Dr. Stacey Hannem
Advisor Role
Supervisor
Second Advisor
Dr. Debra Langan
Advisor Role
Second Reader
Third Advisor
Dr. Lesley Bikos
Advisor Role
External Reader
Abstract
This thesis offers a critical analysis of media representations of police sexual violence cases in Canada. This paper looks to fill the gap on media representations of police sexual violence cases and to contribute to long standing literature on gendered issues in policing. Symbolic interactionism, framing theory, and critical feminist ideologies make up the theoretical background for this work. Using Altheide and Schneiders (2012) Qualitative Document Analysis Process, a media analysis was conducted on 104 Canadian news articles revolving around police sexual violence cases occurring on Canadian policing services. This study primarily revealed a dichotomy in representations of the complainant and the accused, with traditional gendered framing accosted to those women in policing. The work done in this thesis points to a need for further evaluation of police sexual violence representation.
Recommended Citation
Nieman, Brittany, "Shifting Blame and Gendered Differences: A News Media Study of the Characterization of Police Sexual Violence" (2024). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 2665.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/2665
Convocation Year
2024