Media and Professional Interest in Homelessness over 30 Years (1974–2003)

Abstract

Media and professional interest in homelessness represent important sources of data that may be useful in understanding broader societal factors influencing this pressing social issue. The present study examined the volume and content of coverage of homelessness in four major newspapers and the professional literature indexed in PsycINFO over the past 30 years. Media coverage showed a steep increase during the mid-1980s, a steady decline throughout the late 1980s and into the 1990s, and a plateau since the mid-1990s. Professional coverage demonstrated a less pronounced and delayed pattern of growth, with no sign of decline during the past decade. Content analysis of 574 newspaper articles revealed a sympathetic focus on deinstitutionalization and other structural causes of homelessness during the period of increasing coverage in the mid-1980s, as well as positive media coverage in terms of an emphasis on critical programs and services during more recent years. Content analysis of 324 professional journal articles showed that deficits and deviant characteristics of homeless people were discussed to a significantly greater extent than the structural causes of homelessness over the entire 30-year time period. Possible interactions among media coverage, professional interest, public opinion, the prevalence of homelessness, and policy initiatives are discussed.

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“…En el ámbito anglosajón, las principales vías de aproximación se centran en el tratamiento mediático (Nin, 1999;Campbell y Reeves, 1999;Forte, 2002;Buck et al, 2004;Best, 2010;Hodgetts, Cullen y Radley, 2005). En estos estudios se describe la manera en que se suele caracterizar a las PSH.…”

Homelessness Coverage in Major Canadian Newspapers, 1987 – 2007

“…As pointed out by Buck et al (2004), a large amount of attention to this matter in the media, and a large reaction by the public, could result in social and/or health policies to address the situation. On the other hand, if the media's and consequently the public's responses are minimal or dismissive it is more likely that policies will not be developed to support programs, services, or initiatives for homeless people.…”

“…Media and professional interest in homelessness together represent important sources of data that may be useful in understanding broader societal factors that influence policy development concerning this issue (Buck, Toro, & Ramos, 2004). It is well known that homelessness in Canada has been increasing dramatically over the past two decades.…”

Homelessness Coverage, Social Reality, and Media Ownership: Comparing a National Newspaper with Two Regional Newspapers in Canada

“…Since voters' beliefs and values are influenced by how the media portray an issue, in this case the homeless population, health and social care workers can use mass media to promote attitudes and sell political viewpoints that can help reduce homelessness. Therefore, the media's interest in homelessness represents "an important source of data that may be useful in understanding broader societal factors influencing this pressing social issue" [12]. Olstead states that: "How the popular media use language to represent the social world has much to do with how that world is understood [13].…”

“…A modified rating scale adapted from Buck, Toro and Ramos (2004) was used to rate articles [12]. The articles were rated on a 4 point scale: 1= low intensity/little relevance, 2 = moderate intensity/ some relevance, 3= high intensity/theme and 4 = very high intensity/major theme.…”