News Frames of the Population Issue in the Philippines

Authors

  • Clarissa C. David University of the Philippines
  • Erika Fille T. Legara Institute of High Performance Computing, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
  • Jenna Mae L. Atun Ateneo de Manila University
  • Christopher P. Monterola Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore

Keywords:

Framing, Semantic Network Analysis, News Frames, Population, family planning

Abstract

Using automated semantic network analysis, this study examines media framing of the population issue in the Philippines through the different labels used to refer to it in public discourse. The population issue has been relabeled and repackaged in legislation and other policy documents. This article examines how each relabeling of the issue was reflected in the media. Analysis of news articles published from 1987 to 2007 reveals that word clusters around each label reflect strategic framing of the terms population control, population management, family planning, reproductive health, responsible parenthood, and pro-life. Whereas population control and population management are associated with developmental and economic goals, reproductive health and family planning are more linked with women’s and youth’s health issues. The terms responsible parenthood and pro-life are mostly identified with the Catholic Church, with the latter more identified with positions on abortion and contraception.

Author Biographies

Clarissa C. David, University of the Philippines

Assistant Professor, College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines, Philippines

Erika Fille T. Legara, Institute of High Performance Computing, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore

Scientist, Complex Systems Programme, Institute of High Performance Computing, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), SingaporeAssistant Professor, National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines, Philippines

Jenna Mae L. Atun, Ateneo de Manila University

 Lecturer, Department of Communication, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

Christopher P. Monterola, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore

Senior Scientist and Capability Group Manager, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore

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Published

2014-04-30

Issue

Section

Articles