Politicisation of science in COVID-19 editorial cartoons: A comparative study of cartoons in Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom

Weitkamp, Emma; Milani, Elena; Joubert, Marina; Riedlinger, Michelle

Abstract

This study explores the representation of scientists and politicians in editorial cartoons from three countries: Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Of 466 cartoons collected from six Sunday newspapers (two from each country) over an 18 month period, 226 (49%) contained some reference to COVID-19. A qualitative analysis of cartoons highlights the politicisation of science and the relative absence of scientists in the cartoon discourse. Cartoonists fail to address the reasons for the imposition of COVID-19 related restrictions or the effectiveness of such health measures. Instead, cartoonists focus on the restrictions themselves, often portraying politicians as juggling competing demands and scientists as in opposition to the relaxation of social restrictions. In addressing COVID-19 in this way, cartoonists subtly suggest conflicts between the values of scientists, politicians and society. Cartoonists also tie the pandemic into broader political discourses pertinent in each country, for example, states rights in Australia, corruption in South Africa and Brexit in the UK.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 8, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Apr 22, 2024
• Publication Date: Jun 10, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 28, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 11, 2024
• Journal: Journalism Studies
• Print ISSN: 1461-670X
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-9699
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 813-836
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1461670X.2024.2342416
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11780835