The media's approach to homelessness may encourage 'temporary and inadequate' responses

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-01-27 03:00

Australia; QLD

What does this mean?

Jump to: MultimediaAttachmentsExpert Reaction

Aussie researchers analysed articles on the ABC website, in the Courier Mail, and in The Brisbane Times related to responses to the problem of homelessness in Brisbane between 2016 and 2019, and say the media largely frames current responses as fulfilling and enjoyable for volunteers, and as desperately needed by people who experience homelessness. The team suggests representing the issue in this way highlights the unequal power dynamics between homeless people and those who volunteer to help them, but does nothing to challenge this troubling relationship, and may actually be encouraging the adoption of "temporary and inadequate" homelessness responses.