A1 Journal article (refereed)
Beware of the “poverty migrant” : media discourses on EU labour migration and the welfare state in Germany and the UK (2021)
Danaj, S., & Wagner, I. (2021). Beware of the “poverty migrant” : media discourses on EU labour migration and the welfare state in Germany and the UK. Zeitschrift für Sozialreform, 67(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1515/zsr-2021-0001
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Danaj, Sonila; Wagner, Ines
Journal or series: Zeitschrift für Sozialreform
ISSN: 0514-2776
eISSN: 2366-0295
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 01/05/2021
Volume: 67
Issue number: 1
Pages range: 1-27
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Publication country: Germany
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/zsr-2021-0001
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/76239
Abstract
This article examines the role of the media in the EU freedom of movement debate through the lens of high-circulation German and UK newspapers during the first half of 2014. It explores how the media problematised migration from Eastern European member states and its influence on national host country labour markets and welfare systems. It also analyses how different media outlets positioned themselves in relation to relevant policies or policy proposals. The findings show that most articles in our sample present low-skill, low-wage working European Union (EU) migrant class referred to as “poverty migrants” as a problem to be addressed at the policy level in contrast with the economically self-sufficient migrant with marketable skills. The article contributes to discussions on work, welfare, and mobility in the EU by cross-fertilising the literature on migration policy, freedom of movement, social rights, and the media.
Keywords: immigration; labour immigration; freedom of movement; welfare state; immigration policy; EU policy; threat perceptions; public discussion; journalistic writing
Free keywords: EU migrants; poverty migrant; print media; Germany; UK
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1
