Effects of Language Usage in News Reports of Sexuality in Thai Media: Gender Identity Conflict

Authors

  • Wattanee Phovatis

Keywords:

Sexuality news, Thai language usage, gender identity, conflict, Thai media

Abstract

This research aimed to examine effects of the language usage in news report of sexuality in both Thai language printed and online media in which its effect leads to gender identity conflict. This research was a qualitative research. Content analysis was employed to examine sexuality news presented in Thai printed media and online media from 2014 to 2016. In addition, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with mass communication academics, mass media professionals and human rights activists, in total nine people. It was found that online media cover more sexuality news with language that reflects sexual discrimination and negative sexual generalization than print media. The use of language that was against Yogyakarta Principle in Principle 1 and Principle 2 was also higher than the one that does not violate sexual rights at the rate of 2:1. The sexual discrimination and negative generalization were mostly found in headlines, especially in entertainment and criminal news. The reason for using words which violate human dignity and reinforce different opinions toward sexuality came from education, different values on diverse sexuality, negative attitudes on sexuality and incorrect sexual recognition. Therefore, using those violations in language could lead to sexual identity conflict. As there was repetition of media production that contains bias and lack of respect for human dignity, it reflects the sexual misperception of Thai media. To decrease the gender identity conflict, the mass media should study and create understanding of sexual orientation, as well as be open for opinions from diverse sexual groups in the society.

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Published

2019-02-26

How to Cite

Phovatis, W. (2019). Effects of Language Usage in News Reports of Sexuality in Thai Media: Gender Identity Conflict. KASEM BUNDIT JOURNAL, 20(Feburary), 72–87. Retrieved from https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jkbu/article/view/173451

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Research articles