Migrant populations have been consistently more vulnerable than others, with their vulnerability being exacerbated in crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. In the meantime, in their effort to ... Show moreMigrant populations have been consistently more vulnerable than others, with their vulnerability being exacerbated in crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. In the meantime, in their effort to “flatten the curve,” governments have been adopting policies that have significantly impacted migration in various ways. The effect of these policies has found migrants suffering disproportionately from the social and economic consequences of the pandemic crisis. Mobility restrictions have stranded them in the host countries, often without decent housing conditions, exacerbating xenophobic and discriminatory treatment of migrants. The study focuses on the case of Portugal and, more specifically, aims to provide a contextual feature of historical discussions of migration in Portugal and explore the perceptions and branding of migration policies in a crisis environment during the Covid-19 pandemic through the framing lens. Using empirical evidence from a frame analysis of parliamentary debates, the article investigates how immigration policies are branded and framed within Portugal, while it also evaluates the role of branding in migration policy-making, particularly in crisis scenarios. Overall, the article underscores the importance of branding in shaping migration policies, emphasising its significance in policy making. Show less
Previous studies have identified four potential issues related to the popularisation of quantum science and technology. These include framing quantum science and technology as spooky and enigmatic,... Show morePrevious studies have identified four potential issues related to the popularisation of quantum science and technology. These include framing quantum science and technology as spooky and enigmatic, a lack of explaining underlying quantum concepts of quantum 2.0 technology, framing quantum technology narrowly in terms of public good and having a strong focus on quantum computing. Before assessing the effect of these potential issues on public perceptions, it is important to first determine whether these issues are actually present in popular communication. To this end, we conducted a content analysis in which we investigated how quantum science and technology are framed in a corpus of 501 TEDx talks. We also examined to what extent quantum experts, such as quantum scientists and leaders at organisations in quantum science and technology, communicate about quantum science and technology differently from non-experts, such as scientists from other disciplines and artists. Results showed that: (1) about a quarter of the talks framed quantum science and technology as spooky/enigmatic; (2) about half of the talks explained at least one underlying quantum concept (superposition, entanglement or contextuality) of quantum 2.0 technology; (3) quantum technology is narrowly framed in terms of public good as we found six times more talks mentioning benefits than risks; and (4) the main focus is on quantum computing at the expense of other quantum technologies. In addition, experts and non-experts differ on three out of four issues (only the fourth issue is similar for both). Our findings thus show that these potential issues related to the popularisation of quantum science and technology are present but not predominant in TEDx talks. Further research should explore their effect on public perceptions of quantum science and technology. Show less
The aim of this article is to understand why the EU opted to conclude the ‘EU–Turkey refugee deal’ in March 2016 in the context of the Syrian refugee crisis, despite the fact that the agreement... Show moreThe aim of this article is to understand why the EU opted to conclude the ‘EU–Turkey refugee deal’ in March 2016 in the context of the Syrian refugee crisis, despite the fact that the agreement deeply contradicts fundamental EU values and norms. The article seeks to explain the outcome—the conclusion of the EU–Turkey refugee deal—by analysing not only the ability of EU institutions to shape decisions, but also their motivations, ideas and preferences in justifying the EU’s actions in responding to the refugee challenge. It is argued that the deal results from ideational and power struggles between supranational (the European Parliament and the European Commission) and intergovernmental institutions (the European Council and the Council of the European Union). It is demonstrated that while the former put forward normative arguments, the latter invoked security as a main concern to avoid internal divisions between Member States. This article also reveals that such ideational and power struggles have consequences for the EU’s identity. Theoretically, the article builds on the new intergovernmentalist claims and on the normative/civilian power literature. Empirically, it explores the usage of normative justifications by EU institutions and points to inter-institutional tensions in framing the EU’s response to the refugee challenge. Show less
One of the greatest environmental challenges the world is facing today is combating global warming. One of the solutions is the implementation of CO2 capture and storage (CCS). CCS is a... Show moreOne of the greatest environmental challenges the world is facing today is combating global warming. One of the solutions is the implementation of CO2 capture and storage (CCS). CCS is a controversial technology, and attitudes towards it are influenced by public communications. In this dissertation, I identify pitfalls in the communication about CCS. I show that irrelevant details dilute the persuasiveness of a relevant message, that giving more weight to either advantages or disadvantages of CCS is perceived as manipulative-even as illegitimate when people expect informative communications-and that citing pro-environmental motives for corporate involvement with CCS can be perceived as greenwashing. Furthermore, I reveal psychological processes underlying these pitfalls. To avoid long-term negative perceptions, stakeholders with an interest in CCS can best take people's source expectations into account and provide a relevant, balanced and credible message about the technology Show less
The role of individual characteristics in incidences of elder abuse has long been highest on research and policy agendas. Now, it is timely to discuss factors that go beyond victim and perpetrator.... Show moreThe role of individual characteristics in incidences of elder abuse has long been highest on research and policy agendas. Now, it is timely to discuss factors that go beyond victim and perpetrator. Environmental factors also play an important role in elder abuse. In this paper, we address the framing of elder abuse as a social and health problem. Attention is paid to the factors that influence societal context and the Healthcare system, its organization, structure, and principles Show less
Mediaberichten zouden in sterke mate het optreden van criminaliteitsbestrijders be_nvloeden, dat is althans wat politici en opinieleiders vaak beweren. Maar is dat eigenlijk wel zo? In dit boek... Show moreMediaberichten zouden in sterke mate het optreden van criminaliteitsbestrijders be_nvloeden, dat is althans wat politici en opinieleiders vaak beweren. Maar is dat eigenlijk wel zo? In dit boek wordt aan de hand van twee gevalsstudies bestudeerd hoe lokale media en lokaal overheidsbeleid zich in de praktijk tot elkaar verhouden. De eerste studie richt zich op drugsoverlast rondom raamprostitutie, de tweede op de toestroom van Bulgaarse arbeidsmigranten. Beide gevallen spelen zich af in een grote stad in Nederland. Op basis van mediaberichten, beleidsstukken, politiecijfers, interviews en observaties worden het nieuwsproductieproces en het beleidsproces nauwkeurig gereconstrueerd. Op welke wijze vindt beïnvloeding nu werkelijk plaats? Wie volgt wie en wie beïnvloedt wie? Lopen beleidsmakers achter het nieuws aan of lopen verslaggevers aan de leiband van de overheid? Waar reageert de lokale overheid eigenlijk op als zij beleid ontwikkelt om onveiligheid op straat tegen te gaan? Op criminaliteitscijfers, op klachten van burgers of op berichten in de media? En hoe reageren lokale media op de plannen en acties van de overheid? Nog niet eerder werd systematisch empirisch onderzoek verricht naar de wisselwerking tussen lokale media en criminaliteitsbeleid. Beleid en berichtgeving blijken op elkaar van invloed, zo komt in dit boek naar voren, maar op een minder vanzelfsprekende manier dan vaak wordt gedacht. Show less
