Disparate Media Representations of Ukraine’s Female and Male Soldiers

Comparing the Ukrainian Government Press vs. International Media Outlets

Bibliographic Data

ID7897121
AuthorsChristina Paschyn (Northwestern University in Qatar, corresponding author), Anna Young (Central Connecticut State University)
Year2025
Volume26
Issue10
Pages1224-1243
Publication date2025-07-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournalism Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1461-670X • E-ISSN: 1469-9699
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1461670x.2025.2494155
OpenAlexW4409732631
LanguageEN
References cited36

This study employs thematic analysis to examine gendered patterns in media depictions of Ukrainian female and male soldiers amidst the Russo-Ukrainian war. Specifically, it compares coverage from Ukrainian government-sponsored media (Ukrinform) with international news outlets (The New York Times, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera English). Despite both genders being portrayed as courageous defenders, gender-specific themes emerged for women. Media outlets often depicted servicewomen in nurturing roles, reflecting traditional norms, or overcoming sexism, whereas servicemen were more commonly shown in combat roles. Clear differences also emerged between Ukrainian governmental media and some international media, with the latter often depicting female soldiers as inexperienced novices and as victims of sexual harassment and misogyny within the Ukrainian armed forces, two themes conspicuously absent in Ukrinform’s coverage. The authors discuss the possible reasons for this absence

Linguistics · Media studies · Political science · Sociology · Ukrainian · Gender, Security, and Conflict · Media Studies and Communication · Philosophy

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