Examining the portrayal of homophobic and non-homophobic aggression in print media through an integrated grounded behavioural linguistic inquiry (IGBLI) approach

Abstract

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. This chapter examines how homosexuals are portrayed in the media generally, before examining and comparing newspaper reports of homosexual aggression with heterosexual aggression. Utilising a new and innovative research methodology, an Integrated Grounded Behavioural Linguistic Inquiry (IGBLI) approach, a sample of articles from daily newspapers in circulation within the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia are examined. The similarities and differences in the way print media report on these aggressive incidents are considered.