Dehumanization of Refugees in Media as a Case of Moral Disengagement

MOTAL, Jan. Dehumanization of Refugees in Media as a Case of Moral Disengagement. Ethics & Bioethics (in Central Europe). 2015, vol. 5, 3-4, p. 183-196. ISSN 1338-5615.

Basic information

Original name

Dehumanization of Refugees in Media as a Case of Moral Disengagement

Authors

MOTAL, Jan (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution)

Edition

Ethics & Bioethics (in Central Europe), 2015, 1338-5615

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Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Článek v odborném periodiku

Field of Study

Literature, mass media, audio-visual activities

Country of publisher

Slovakia

Confidentiality degree

není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství

RIV identification code

RIV/00216224:14230/15:00086784

Organization unit

Faculty of Social Studies

Keywords in English

news; media; refugees; migration; dehumanization; animalisation; moral disengagement; media ethics

Tags

International impact

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Abstract

V originále

Through an analysis of selected articles, the study demonstrates the dehumanization as a discursive strategy which may lead to moral disengagement. The presented analysis shows how particular discursive strategies in analysed text support the process of moral disengagement in the society and potentially may lead to a justification of reprehensible conduct and mass aggression against refugees. Afterwards, this is ethically evaluated through the perspectives of deontological and consequential theories and some recommendations are offered. The study follows the idea of media being a tool for the development of democratic values, such as the humanization of refugees and their personalization in individual stories which would present their lives and suffering to media percipients.