Immigration news frames: Constructions of immigration and the passage of SB 1070
Open Access
Author:
Tamul, Daniel John
Graduate Program:
Mass Communications
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
May 09, 2011
Committee Members:
Dennis Karl Davis, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor Dennis Karl Davis, Committee Chair/Co-Chair Colleen Connolly Ahern, Committee Member Matthew Mc Allister, Committee Member Gretchen G Casper, Committee Member
Keywords:
immigration race framing News SB 1070
Abstract:
This study examined the news frames surrounding coverage of immigration and immigrants, specifically undocumented immigrants, in the time surrounding the passage of a particularly controversial immigration bill, Arizona SB 1070. An inductive framing analysis and longitudinal discourse analysis were conducted to develop a comprehensive understanding of the frames used in news accounts within the state of Arizona and, more broadly, in national news coverage. Generally speaking, immigration and immigrants are socially constructed in news accounts as a detrimental influence on society at large. These frames serve to naturalize and justify the passage of policies that may lead to discriminatory practices. Practical and theoretical implications are also discussed.
