Date of Conferral

6-12-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Marisa Bryant

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine racial disparities in media portrayals of filicide cases involving African American and Caucasian women, exploring how systemic biases and societal narratives influenced public perception, policy, and the child welfare and legal systems. Using a qualitative content analysis of 42 cases involving African American women and 20 involving Caucasian women, framing techniques, language, and imagery were analyzed. The research addressed three questions were (a) What narratives and framing were used?, (b) How did these differ across racial lines?, and (c) What are the broader societal and systemic implications? Results showed that media coverage of African American women often framed their cases through blame, moral failure, and criminalization, neglecting systemic factors such as mental health and socioeconomic barriers, and systemic neglect within child welfare and judicial responses. Conversely, cases involving Caucasian women were portrayed with more compassion, emphasizing systemic issues and fostering empathy. These disparities reinforced harmful stereotypes and influenced legal and social outcomes, perpetuating systemic inequities within child welfare and justice institutions. The study highlights the importance of responsible media practices and systemic reforms. Addressing media biases and systemic inequalities is vital for social change, as challenging harmful narratives can lead to policies that promote justice, understanding, and dignity for mothers of all racial backgrounds.

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