From Displacement to Integration: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Power, Agency, and Syrian Refugee Representation in Western Print Media (2021-2022)

Abstract

This research used critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine the portrayal of Syrian refugees in headlines published by The New York Times (US) and The Guardian (UK) throughout the years 2021 and 2022. The objective was to comprehend the prevailing narratives about Syrian refugees and how these depictions mirror the fundamental power relations. The study used a qualitative research approach, specifically using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as the methodological framework. The data source consisted of headlines from both newspapers in 2021 and 2022. A thematic analysis was performed to detect reoccurring motifs and underlying ideologies present in the headlines. The research was informed by two theoretical frameworks of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and discourses of displacement by Bauman (2000). The CDA framework facilitated the examination of power dynamics inherent in media language, while discourses of displacement gave valuable understanding of how narratives influence attitudes of refugees. The results indicated a change in prevailing narratives. While humanitarian issues remained consistent, security concerns either diminished in importance or switched their focus. Positive integration initiatives and the empowerment of refugees themselves became more important. Nevertheless, there were some biases that were detected, such as the tendency to minimize international accountability and disregard the whole range of difficulties associated with integration. The media's depiction of refugees was seen to mirror the fundamental power relationships. This research enhances our comprehension of the intricate nature of media depictions of refugees, which are shaped by a multitude of circumstances. It corroborates prior studies on the relationship between media and migrants, emphasizing the need of using critical analysis to detect any biases