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 editorsDanaj, Sonila; Wagner, Ines

Journal or seriesZeitschrift für Sozialreform

ISSN0514-2776

eISSN2366-0295

Publication year2021

Publication date01/05/2021

Volume67

Issue number1

Pages range1-27

PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH

Publication countryGermany

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1515/zsr-2021-0001

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessPartially 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.


Keywordsimmigrationlabour immigrationfreedom of movementwelfare stateimmigration policyEU policythreat perceptionspublic discussionjournalistic writing

Free keywordsEU migrants; poverty migrant; print media; Germany; UK


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2021

JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-26-03 at 09:20