Media Representation of Female Politicians in Russia, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/subbeph.2024.02Keywords:
Media representation, Female politicians, Gender bias in media, Political communication, Comparative analysis, Russia, Eastern Europe, Media legislation, Media EthicsAbstract
This study examines the media representation of female politicians in Russia, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova, synthesizing the theoretical, legal, ethical frameworks relevant for journalistic work, complemented by the resume of empirical findings of a broader study. It explores how gendered narratives persist within post-communist media systems despite formal commitments to equality. The theoretical section traces the evolution of women’s political roles from communism to modern democracies, presenting the influence of framing and gender bias in political communication. The legal and ethical analysis compares national media laws, codes of conduct, and international standards, evaluating each country’s adherence to principles of fairness, proportionality, and non-discrimination. The empirical research performed through content analysis of over 150 media articles assessed the degree of compliance with the nationally relevant ethical and legal norms. The findings reveal distinct national patterns: Russian outlets frequently emphasize appearance and intrude into private lives; Moldovan publications often fail to maintain proportionality; Romanian media demonstrate higher compliance yet face challenges related to balance and transparency. The study concludes that, while progress toward ethical journalism and gender-sensitive reporting is evident, systemic inequalities and uneven law enforcement continue to shape the portrayal of women in politics across Eastern Europe.
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