Utilizing a social problems framework, this thesis will explore how media in donor and recipient countries construct meaning and action following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. This research is of empirical interest as the scope of most social problems research has focused on case studies or historical analyses within the United States with little research focus on social problems theory cross-nationally. Additionally, prior social problems research that has focused on disasters has largely consisted of case studies without utilization of a theoretical approach. This research involves a content analysis of two English-language, national newspapers from each of three recipient countries impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami (India, Indonesia and Thailand), as well as two national newspapers from a Western donor country (United States). It compares how these four countries interpreted post-tsunami aid during a one year period, December 26, 2004 to December 26, 2005 (n = 1,054). Findings show that the media interpretation of relief efforts diverged significantly between donor and recipient countries and that these constructions are rooted in the political economy and sociocultural structure of each nation. Findings provide a better understanding of cross-national media construction, emphasize how media shape popular opinion and agenda setting procedures, and allow for an understanding of diverse interests portrayed by international media following a disaster.
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