From Victim Blaming and Women Shaming to Femicide: Media Representations and Public Discourse in Greece (2019-2024)

• In Event: Media and social construction of crime II

Abstract

The way the media construct narratives around gender-based violence influences public perception and, in turn, shapes policy responses by reinforcing or challenging socially dominant societal norms and dynamics. This study, drawing on sociology of knowledge and deviance, gender studies and media studies, examines how femicides and cases of sexual violence in Greece are framed by online media and social media users, focusing on victim blaming and women shaming discourses, and explores how news outlets and Facebook discussions shape public discourse on gender-based crimes.

The present study employs qualitative content analysis of online news articles from mainstream Greek media (news websites etc.) alongside social media discourse analysis of Facebook comments under posts related to femicide cases from 2019 to 2024. Specifically, it examines recurring themes, including the portrayal of victims and perpetrators, the selective use of terminology, and the extent to which media narratives reinforce or challenge gendered stereotypes.

A key finding is that Greek mainstream media frequently construct and normalise gender-based violence narratives, often avoiding the term "femicide" in favour of euphemisms such as "crime of passion"/"family tragedy" etc. This linguistic framing obscures the systemic nature of gender-based violence, minimizes perpetrators' responsibility and shifts focus onto victims' behavior or background. In contrast, feminist activist groups challenge these narratives, seeking to reshape public perception and influence policy. Additionally, social media discussions reflect a polarized discourse, where victim-blaming comments coexist with feminist critiques for legal recognition of femicide.

By examining media discourse and public debate, this study provides insights into how sexist rhetoric reinforces gender hierarchies, how victim blaming and women shaming narratives shape responses to femicide and gendered violence in Greece and how media framing influences public attitudes. These findings highlight the role of media in constructing “public opinion” –which is not so “public”– and underscore the need for un(gender-)biased reporting.

Author

• Athina Karatza, Independent Researcher, PhD in Sociology (University of Crete)