The purpose of this study is to analyze how Swedish daily newspapers publish an ethnocentric/orientalistic discourse relating to gang crimes in Sweden. The purpose of this study is to analyze how criminal gangs are portrayed in Swedish daily newspapers.This is achieved by analyzing the articles published by Dagens Nyheter, Expressen and Aftonbladet. Following an extensive data collection process the discourses gathered are analysed with the help of the social constructionist theory and Orientalism developed by Edward Said. The findings show that Swedish daily newspapers publish articles with problematic statements towards people of different ethnicities than Swedish in the publications regarding gang related crimes. The premise of the statements was that Sweden has a problem with gang related crimes due to imigration. We've found that the press, by publishing these statements, not only normalises but also constructs a reality where non-ethnic Swedes are portrayed as criminals. The published articles were also constructing an idea that rap music is related to the exponential rise of gang crimes in Sweden. Overall this study's contribution has been to shine a light on the ethnocentric and problematic assumptions published by the press. The publications are made without a consideration towards how this normalizes ethnic separation in not only their articles but also our reality.
2021-06-02