“The stiletto in Putin’s side”: Analyzing Russian media coverage of the only female presidential candidate in 2018

ABSTRACT

Ksenia Sobchak, the only female candidate to make it to Election Day in the 2018 Russian presidential elections, faced many gender and political hurdles. We conducted quantitative content-analysis of Russian media coverage to see whether coverage added to these challenges. Using social role theory, we discussed how the five most popular Russian online news outlets labeled Sobchak, covered political issues and character traits. The results showed that news outlets used more legitimizing than delegitimizing labels, emphasized masculine issues and feminine traits. Comparing “credible” and tabloid press revealed mixed findings and highlights how outlets within these categories can differ in Russia.

KEYWORDS:

• Elections
• gender
• women candidates
• Russia
• quantitative content analysis

Data Availability Statement

Due to the nature of this research, supporting data is not available.

Additional information

Funding

This research was not supported by any funding.

Notes on contributors

Maria Shpeer

Maria Shpeer is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at the University of Oklahoma. Her research focuses on intercultural and international communication. She received her M.S. from Saint Petersburg State University in International Relations: American Studies.

Lindsey Meeks

Lindsey Meeks, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Oklahoma. Her research mainly focuses on political communication, gender, news media, and social media. Her publications have appeared in journals such as the Journal of Communication, Communication Research, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, and Politics & Gender.