Framing the Other : A feminist Approach to Media Representations of Women's Issues and Gender Equality in Croatia

Abstract: The main purpose of this thesis is to identify the discursive techniques through which women are delegitimized, belittled and "Othered" in Croatian media. On top of that, the goal is to identify patterns in news framing processes which reflect the structures of a patriarchal society. This thesis looks at discourse with an aim to identify and address the dynamics of “othering” and “silencing strategies” in Croatian media and their most popular informative talk shows, "Sunday at 2" and "Fifth Day". The question of whether HRT complies with their own laws as well as the laws on gender equality in the media is also raised. This thesis employs critical discourse analysis to examine four different talk show episodes where problems of sexual violence and access to abortion were discussed. Additionally, power relations between men and women enacted through discourse are observed, revealing the frames behind them. Results suggest that agenda-setting and news framing are powerful tools through which Croatian media presents women as inferior or“Other”, while delegitimizing their struggles. The male figures on Croatian television are shown to perpetuate stereotypes and gender inequalities, violating Croatian Radiotelevision and Gender Equality Laws. Ultimately, this thesis observes Croatian media in the light of the process of retraditionalization in Croatia and the broader backlash against women's issues across Europe. Finally, this thesis highlights the conservative patriarchal values reflected in Croatian media and encourages research on media framing of women in Croatia. However, further research is needed to better understand framing effects on public's perceptions of gender inequalities in Croatia.