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Abstract

The following dissertation is a media content analysis of missing persons articles between the dates of 23rd March 2020 - 19th July 2021. The 23rd of March 2020 marks when the first lockdown began, and the 19th of July 2021 marks when all restrictions were lifted. It also contains a sentiment analysis of the articles. The aim of this research was to determine if there was any media bias present and if one particular demographic group that was considered newsworthy and out of line compared to national statistics. This research is coming from an intersectional angle, with emphasis on the ideal victim theory and white woman syndrome. The research found that White people, males and adults were discussed the most, but these were also the groups that went missing the most compared to the 2019-2020 national statistics. There was one missing person case that was discussed 36 times, and this was a young Black male, which does not fit the theory of ideal victim theory or white woman syndrome. It also found that the majority of missing persons articles were written in a neutral manner, with a minority being positive and an even smaller minority being negative.

Course: Criminal Justice - MSc - C2681F

Date Deposited: 2023-05-11

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14145.html