Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Sexual Exploitation Stereotypes Reinforced by News Media

by Kathy Jones on November 12, 2013 at 8:53 PM
 Sexual Exploitation Stereotypes Reinforced by News Media

New research from the University of British Columbia suggests that news stories about sexually exploited youth in Canada perpetuate unhelpful stereotypes.

The study, recently published in the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, found that stories seldom focus on perpetrators, do not capture the diversity of victims, and use words that legitimize the illegal act of sexual exploitation committed against youth.


"Our research shows that news reports commonly use words that portray exploitive experiences as 'business' or 'trade,' and sometimes call exploiters 'customers' - if they mention those who are buying sex at all," says Elizabeth Saewyc, lead author of the study and professor at the UBC School of Nursing. "This has consequences for how society views these young people and their situation, and what we do about it."

Researchers examined 835 Canadian print news articles and compared them to existing research about sexually exploited youth. Their findings show that Canadian print media typically portrayed a specific image of sexual exploitation, often older teenage girls on street corners, even though research evidence shows nearly equal rates of exploitation among girls and boys.

"If you're a young person being exploited, but you constantly hear that only certain kinds of people are exploited, or only in these stereotypical ways, you may not even recognize this is what's happening to you," says Saewyc. "We hoped our study would show improvements in reporting over time, but that isn't what we found."

Saewyc believes service providers and researchers can be advocates for accurate reporting, but editors and reporters have a responsibility to avoid stereotypes. She recommends that news stories place greater focus on the exploiters and more accurately reflect the experiences of victims of sexual exploitation.



Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+


Advertisement

Latest Sexual Health News

Can Stress Cause Infertility?
Sexual performance and sperm health are found to be affected with the increased levels of stress, thereby causing infertility.
Four-step Plan for Detecting Sexually Transmitted Infections
The tests identified 255 cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis, most of which (86 percent) would have otherwise gone undetected for lack of symptoms.
Top 10 Reasons of Dullness in the Marital Sex
Can getting married dull your sexual life? Yes, actually it can. After a while, long-term relationships can start to feel monotonous.
Mindfulness: Zoom Sessions Beneficial for Sexual Health After Cancer
Facilitators can moderate group discussions via zoom successfully and should encourage each participant to speak openly.
Sperm Age may Help Predict Pregnancy Success
Higher sperm epigenetic aging is associated with a longer time to become pregnant in couples not assisted by fertility treatment.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Sexual Exploitation Stereotypes Reinforced by News Media Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests