Exploring how entertainment documentaries construct London to account for the residence of the international super-rich in the “hostile environment” for migrants
Unlike poorer migrant groups, governments offer visa inducements to attract wealthy individuals into a country. However, super-rich migrants’ impact on the UK has been shown to be negative whereas non-super-rich migrants, who are commonly constructed in the media as damaging to the UK, bring a positive impact. This research explored how entertainment documentaries account for super-rich individuals residing in London. Discursive Social Psychology was used to analyse 2490 minutes of programmes from non-subscription UK terrestrial channels broadcast throughout 2016 in the UK using the term ‘super-rich’. This research explored how broadcasts constructed the place identity of the super-rich and account for their residence in an environment that is hostile for migrants. Within the programmes, London was constructed as a (1) playground, (2) safe space and (3) place of economic opportunity. The super-rich were positioned as good migrants who have integrated into society and featured as more driven to acquire wealth than British people. By drawing upon human rights arguments within the broadcasts, London was constructed as a safe haven. The construction of super-rich migrants formed a stark contrast to poorer groups who contribute more to the economy yet are targeted by hostile immigration policy and media reporting.
Exploring how entertainment documentaries construct London to account for the residence of the international super-rich in the “hostile environment” for migrants
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