Constructing “the Others” During Conflict: How Journalism’s Norms and Structures Temper Extreme Portrayals

Abstract

Psychologists and scholars of politics and political communication suggest that portrayals of “the others” impact emotions and behaviors toward them, particularly during conflict. When extremely negative, these portrayals can be used to justify harmful behaviors. Other scholars have found that the norms and structures of professional journalism can moderate extreme portrayals. This paper examines two factors that help construct “the others”—one that polarizes and one that tempers portrayals. By comparing three variables related to portraying foes in five Northern Ireland publications, the research shows two important variations: The first, variation across the partisan divide, suggests the role of identity and ideology in perpetuating “us versus them” and “good versus bad” framing. The second, variation between the professional newspapers and nonprofessional, more partisan publications, suggests that professional journalism may moderate extreme portrayals. These findings may have implications for journalism and for conflict management.