Understanding Media Representation of Migrants and Refugees in Costa Rica
The research article "Undeserving and Undesirable: Representing New Migrants and Refugees in Costa Rican Media" by Caitlin E. Fouratt and Lizbeth Castillo-Monterrosa provides a qualitative analysis of newspaper coverage from 2011 to 2017. This study reveals how media narratives in Costa Rica often portray migrants and refugees as threats, undeserving of public concern, and a drain on resources. These narratives reinforce social and political boundaries, leading to the exclusion of these groups from public resources.
Implementing Research Insights to Enhance Practitioner Skills
As practitioners in speech-language pathology, especially those involved in online therapy services like TinyEYE, it is crucial to understand the implications of media narratives on the populations we serve. Here are some ways practitioners can use insights from this research to improve their skills:
- Awareness and Sensitivity: Recognize the power of media in shaping public perceptions and attitudes towards migrants and refugees. Practitioners should be aware of these narratives to better understand the potential biases and challenges faced by these populations.
- Advocacy and Education: Use your platform to educate others about the realities of migration and the importance of inclusive and supportive environments. Advocate for media literacy and critical thinking to challenge harmful stereotypes.
- Empathy and Cultural Competence: Develop a deeper understanding of the cultural and social contexts of the children and families you work with. This can lead to more empathetic and effective communication strategies.
- Research and Continuous Learning: Encourage further research and continuous learning to stay informed about the evolving narratives and their impact on different communities. This can help in tailoring interventions that are culturally and contextually appropriate.
Encouraging Further Research
Practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into the research to understand the complex dynamics of media representation and its impact on migrant and refugee populations. By engaging with such research, practitioners can develop more nuanced and effective approaches to therapy and advocacy.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Undeserving and Undesirable: Representing New Migrants and Refugees in Costa Rican Media.
