Potrayal of South African female offenders through news24 and youtube online media platforms : 2018-2024 case studies

Abstract

The online media platforms remain one of the most influential societal institutions, largely contributing to shaping public perceptions on female criminality and offending, often reinforcing or challenging societal norms and stereotypes. This study was aimed to explore the portrayal of South African female offenders by online media platforms, focusing on News24 and YouTube platforms by selectively reviewing eNews Channel Africa - eNCA, Newzroom Afrika, South African Broadcasting Corporation - SABC News, and Crime Watch, between 2018 and 2024 projections. Furthermore, the following study objective guided this study: To assess the nature of female offenders as portrayed by South African online media platforms. To identify the representation of different types of crimes committed by female offenders through South African online media platforms. To determine how female prison (Correctional centre) life is constructed through online media platforms within South Africa. This qualitative study employed case study research design, supported by the application of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to analyse the non-probability: Purposively collected data. The inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) was employed to identify, code, and interpret recurring themes and patterns in how female offenders are portrayed within the selected online media platforms. Additionally, this study was underpinned by Social Constructionism Theory. The findings of this study suggest that the South African female offenders are represented through gendered constructions, in reference to their roles as mothers, wives, romantic partners or victims. The female offenders are often portrayed in a dualistic manner, either portrayed as been responsible for their committed crimes or as victims of circumstances. They are also occasionally regarded as mentally unstable and possibly mad. Moreover, about Five (05) crime categories were found to be represented by News24 and YouTube online media platforms, namely: 1) Murder, 2) Fraud, 3) Theft, 4) Drug trafficking, and; 5) Child abuse and neglect. It was also established that the South African online media platforms tend to sensationalise covered stories of the female offenders often committing violent crimes and crimes against children, while representations of financial and drug-related crimes generally remain neutral in their portrayal. The findings also indicate that the online media platforms construct a dualistic image of female prison life, often oscillating between depictions of brutality and too lenient. It is recommended that the online media platforms adopt more balanced reporting practices and they should ensure that Journalists or reporters adhere to editorial guidelines to promote fair, partial and accurate portrayals of the female offenders.