“Identity politics erodes our society” A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Construction of ‘Krænkelseskultur’ in Danish Print Media 2020-2021

Abstract

In Denmark, the emergence of identity politics in public debates is increasing. Amongst opposers of identity politics, a concept has been constructed to describe identity political agendas, namely Krænkelseskultur. By analysing the discursive construction of the so-called “Krænkelseskultur” this study aims to examine how discourses on identity politics in Danish Print Media (re)produces social power of superordinate groups in Denmark. The methodological point of departure is Critical Discourse Analysis, with a specific focus on Teun van Dijk’s socio cognitive approach to these fields of studies. The empirical data consist of 91 new items containing the word ‘Krænkelseskultur’ published between 1st of February 2020 and 1st of February 2021 in the two biggest newspapers in Denmark. In addition to Teun van Dijk approach to CDA, this thesis draws on Patricia Hill Collins and Sirma Bilge conceptualization of Intersectionality, Jardena Ashleys conceptualization of dominant group identity and Yuval-davis perspectives on assimilationalism and multiculturalism as strategies of boundary management in nationalist projects. What my analysis shows is that the discursive construction of Krænkelseskulturen involves three strategies of (re)production of social power. Firstly, the othering of sexual, ethnic, racial and gender minorities from notions of Danishness. Secondly, the denial of the existence of social inequality related to identities in Denmark. And thirdly, reversal of social injustice, claiming that Krænkelseskulturen oppresses majority groups in Denmark.

Popular Abstract

In Denmark, the emergence of identity politics in public debates is increasing. This is evident in both the rise of identity political movements like the Danish MeToo movement and the Danish Black Lives Matter movement, and it is evident in the rise of resistance to these agendas. Amongst opposers of identity politics, a concept has been constructed to describe identity political movements and activities, namely Krænkelseskultur. In this thesis, I investigate this resistance to social justice by analysing how the so-called Krænkelseskultur is described and evaluated in the two biggest newspapers in Denmark, Berlingske and Politiken, between 2020 and 2021. What my analysis shows is threefold. First, I show how the descriptions of Krænkelseskulturen involve creating a distinction between “us” represented as “the Danes” and “them” represented as Krænkelsskulturen. In this distinction, sexual, ethnic and racial minorities are excluded from notions of Danishess. This exclusion is especially characterized by the claim that these minorities should accept the good intentions of racist and LGBT+ phobic slurs, as these are seen as a valuable part of Danish culture. Thus, the resistance to accepting discrimination of minortities is constructed as conflicting with Danish culture and values. In the second part of the analys, I show how claims of racism, sexism, LGBT+ phobia made by minorities are delegitimized by denying the existence of social inequality related to identity in Denmark. And in the third and final part of my analysis, I show how claims of social injustice are reversed. This concretely means that “the Danes” are portrayed as subordinated by Krænkelseskulturen and minorities claims of discrimination.

• author: Wandel-Petersen, Anna
• supervisor: Priscilla Solano
• organization: Sociology; Department of Sociology
• course: SOCM04 20211
• year: 2021
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Social Sciences
• keywords: Identity Politics, Critical Discourse Analysis, Dominant Group Identity, Social Power, Krænkelseskultur
• language: English
• id: 9065204
• date added to LUP: 2021-09-10 16:05:53
• date last changed: 2021-09-10 16:05:53