A1 Journal article (refereed)
(De)Stigmatization of Political Leadership : The Case of a Right-Wing Populist Presidential Candidate in the Finnish Media (2020)


Kivijärvi, M., & Takala, T. (2020). (De)Stigmatization of Political Leadership : The Case of a Right-Wing Populist Presidential Candidate in the Finnish Media. Open Journal of Political Science, 10(3), 428-447. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojps.2020.103026


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsKivijärvi, Marke; Takala, Tuomo

Journal or seriesOpen Journal of Political Science

ISSN2164-0505

eISSN2164-0513

Publication year2020

Volume10

Issue number3

Pages range428-447

PublisherScientific Research Publishing, Inc.

Publication countryUnited States

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.4236/ojps.2020.103026

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessOpen Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/71111


Abstract

In this article, we examine the discursive practices of (de)stigmatizing right-wing populist party leaders. We draw on a recent example from Finland by examining how the female presidential candidate of a right-wing populist party was portrayed in the Finnish media during the 2018 presidential campaign season. We examine the stigmatization by the press media and the stigma-management tactics used by the presidential candidate to resist stigmatization. The media representation of the right-wing party leader is highly tensioned, and the media positions her political leadership within the duality of charisma and stigma. In our analysis, we extend earlier literature by unveiling the emotional tensions inherent in portraying and (de)stigmatizing populist political leadership. The results highlight how religion, radical nationalism, and inappropriate expression of emotions are intertwined as the main sources for attributing stigma. In this case, the stigmatization of the leader occurs via threatening and ridiculing imagery and erosion of the leader’s authority. Resistance to stigma occurs through distancing, emotional and moral argumentation, and attribution of strong leadership.


Keywordsright-wing ideologypopulismstigmatacharismaleadership (properties)political leaders

Free keywordsright-wing populism; media discourse; stigma; charismatic leadership; political leadership


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2020

JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-26-03 at 09:18