In this study, my intention has been to examine how the ambiguous concept of corruption is constructed by the press. Emphasizing the media’s representations of the socially constructed and context-specific concept, this work adopts a critical perspective on discourse, together with an approach of conceptual history. Finland has for many years been appointed as one of the least corrupt countries in the world, signing several international conventions against corruption since the 1990s, which in turn has led to an increase in discussion regarding the phenomenon. By conducting a multi-method study, my aim has been to analyse the possible changes in the definition of ”corruption” in the Finnish newspaper Hufvudstadsbladet during the period 2000-2013. Using the theoretical framework of Fairclough’s media discourse and Koselleck’s conceptual history, the concept has been analysed in light of Finnish legislation regarding corruption during this period. The analysis yielded several results. The concept of corruption is defined as a both moral and legal problem, resulting in shifting meanings. A change in the representation of levels of corruption in Finland, from optimistic to pessimistic is illustrated, which is upheld in the press by results from international corruption surveys and statements made by those in power. Overall, while discourse on corruption is both constructed and transformed by journalists, it has ideological effects when what is presented as facts are in reality based on statements made by experts and political actors. Finally the analysis shows that “corruption” and “trust”, being asymmetrical concepts, constitute an inseparable pair of concepts. In a democratic country these concepts depend on each other, making corruption a matter of the entire society. I propose that further research examine the possible changes in the concept of corruption over a longer period of time.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:su-103467 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Hatakka, Sara |
| Publisher | Stockholms universitet, Kriminologiska institutionen |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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