Examining the portrayal of homophobic and non-homophobic aggression in print media through an integrated grounded behavioural linguistic inquiry (IGBLI) approach
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-02-2017-0003 |
| Pages | 239-244 |
| Date | 14 August 2017 |
| Published date | 14 August 2017 |
| Author | Philip Birch,Rebecca Ozanne,Jane Ireland |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Law enforcement/correctional,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice |
Examining the portrayal of homophobic
and non-homophobic aggression
in print media through an integrated
grounded behavioural linguistic inquiry
(IGBLI) approach
Philip Birch, Rebecca Ozanne and Jane Ireland
Abstract
Purpose –The role of the media in supporting an understanding of the social world is well
documented. The representation of homosexuals in the media can therefore impact on homophobia
within society. The purpose of this paper is to examine how homosexuals are portrayed in the media
generally, before examining and comparing newspaper reports of homosexual aggression with
heterosexual aggression.
Design/methodology/approach –Utilising a new and innovative research methodology, an integrated
grounded behavioural linguistic inquiry (IGBLI) approach, four daily newspapers in circulation within the USA,
Canada, the UK and Australia are examined.
Findings –While there are similarities in the way print media report on these aggressive
incidents, the differences which emerge from the findings are of interest which require further, more
in-depth study.
Practical implications –To extend the methodology of IGBLI to other forms of media content in order to
further validate the approach. To reduce the differences between LGBTI news reports and heterosexual
news reports. To hold the media to account for the ways in which they express their content. To encourage
users of the media, in particular print media, to be critical of what they read.
Originality/value –Typically, analysis of media utilises the research method of content analysis. This paper
adopts a new and innovative research method, an IGBLI approach, which incorporates a behavioural
assessment in the form of a SORC.
Keywords Homophobia, Print media, Heterosexual aggression, Homophobic aggression,
Integrated grounded behavioural linguistic inquiry (IGBLI) approach, LGBTI discrimination
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
This brief report recognises that the media creates an understanding of the social world for
individuals and wider society. As such this social institution can impact on homophobia in society
through its portrayal of the LGBTI community. By utilising a new and innovative qualitative
research method, an integrated grounded behavioural linguistic inquiry (IGBLI) approach devised
by the co-authors Ireland and Birch, newspaper articles from four daily newspapers in circulation
within the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia are examined. This cross-cultural examination
illustrates differences in the themes contained in reports of homophobic aggression when
compared to reports of non-homophobic aggression. This paper first begins by considering the
nature and extent of homophobia.
Received 20 February 2017
Revised 21 February 2017
Accepted 21 February 2017
Philip Birch is a Senior Lecturer
at the Centre for Law & Justice,
Charles Sturt University,
Port Macquarie, Australia.
Rebecca Ozanne is based at
the School of Psychology,
University of Central
Lancashire, Preston, UK.
Jane Ireland is a Professor at
the University of Central
Lancashire, Preston, UK.
DOI 10.1108/JFP-02-2017-0003 VOL. 19 NO. 3 2017, pp. 239-244, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794
j
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
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PAG E 239
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