Media constructions of an illegal drug: the link between cannabis and organized crime in Swedish newspapers

Original research
par
Ekendahl, Mats, Josefin Månsson & Patrik Karlsson

Date de publication

2023

Géographie

Sweden

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

This study analyzes how cannabis is constructed in Swedish newspaper articles that mention both organized crime and cannabis. We ask how the drug and its buyers and sellers are described, what discourses are drawn upon, and discuss the relationship between media coverage and drug policy.

Constatations/points à retenir

The study shows that assumedly neutral journalistic voices emphasized the link between cannabis and violence and problematized cannabis buyers and sellers. This homogenous media coverage will probably contribute to keep the question of cannabis law reform discursively lifeless in Sweden.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

Analyzed articles (n=71) from four newspapers

Mots clés

Illegal drugs
Policy/Regulatory
Crime