Who Gets a Voice in Homelessness? A Content Analysis of Quotations Used by Journalists

Abstract

ABSTRACT Researchers have explored journalists’ use of sources, particularly experts; however, they have rarely considered homelessness alongside journalists’ use of sources, notably individuals with lived experience of homelessness (LEH). This content analysis considered the representation and dissemination of voices in the form of quotations from articles about homelessness in San Francisco. Researchers analyzed 7273 quotations from 820 articles published over 18 months in 109 publications; 77 of which collaborated in the SF Homeless Project to report about homelessness, its causes and solutions. Researchers classified quotations from 2759 sources by source gender/ethnicity and type (experts, nonexperts, LEH). White males were quoted in 70% of articles, making them the de facto voice of homelessness. Nonwhite females were quoted in 20% of articles and nonwhite males in 40% of articles. Underrepresentation of nonwhite females and males was most pronounced in the category of expert with over 90% of articles lacking quotes from either. Journalists quoted experts in 92% of articles and allotted experts significantly more words than any other source type. White male journalists mostly quoted other white males as experts, while female and nonwhite journalists included greater through sourcing. When journalists quoted individuals with LEH, articles were more positive and included more sources.