The London Riots 2011: analyzing framing processes of the London riots

Abstract

This case study objective attempts to advance the understanding of the 2011 London riots by examining the diagnostic framing perspectives during the period the riots occurred. These diagnostic framing perspectives will be assessed through content analysis of articles on the London riots in five bestselling London newspapers. The diagnostic framing perspective used is inspired by Snow e.a., and is a framing variable assessed in previous research on for instance the 2005 French riots (Snow et al. 1988; Snow et al. 2007). This research based upon Snow et al. 1988 and 2007, supports the importance of frame variation of the London riots, and will discuss the importance of the diagnostic framing process for the analysis of the London riots. Moreover, this thesis discusses the possible consequences of diagnostic framing for the prognostic and motivational frames designed to address and cope with the London riots in its aftermath.