Gendered Representations in Western print media coverage of Jihadist

• In Event: Media and social construction of crime II

Abstract

This paper presents new and original research on how reductive gender stereotypes infiltrate Western mainstream print news reporting, particularly in relation to individuals, especially women, linked to jihadist terrorism. The research is currently being prepared for a research monograph, with planned publication in early 2026. This paper presents key findings and conclusions regarding the prevalence and characteristics of gendered stereotypes and explores the extent to which they influence news coverage outcomes.

By adopting an international, cross-country focus on six nations—namely, the UK, Ireland, Australia, the USA, Canada, and New Zealand, this study takes a large-scale, comparative approach to uncover patterns in media representations of women associated with terrorism. Previous studies on the topic have highlighted how media framing of women linked to terrorism often relies on unproven and stereotype-driven narratives. Building on this work, this paper examines gendered media narratives on a larger scale, comparing portrayals of women and men within jihadist terrorism contexts. Additionally, the research investigates how constructions of masculinity operate within these narratives, shaping the portrayal of men and their relationship to female counterparts in terrorism reporting.

At the heart of this research is an original dataset of 999 individuals associated with jihadist terrorism as featured in media reports, incorporating over 50 variables to thoroughly analyse these portrayals. By employing a mixed-methods approach grounded in theories of media and crime, the study combines descriptive and advanced quantitative analysis with qualitative media analysis. Key findings reveal that stereotypical traits, such as youthfulness and relationship status, significantly influence media coverage of female terrorists. Women who align with traditional gender stereotypes receive more extensive coverage, emphasising how deeply gendered narratives shape their representation in the media. These results illuminate the restrictive influence of gendered media portrayals on public perceptions of female jihadist.

Author

• Olivia Caskey, University of Portsmouth