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Communication about economic inequality: a systematic review

Author

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  • Vaughan, Michael
  • Theine, Hendrik
  • Schieferdecker, David
  • Waitkus, Nora

Abstract

What do we know about representations of economic inequality in media, and how well does this account for media transformations like hybridization? This article uses a systematic review of academic literature on mediated communication about economic inequality, in order to assess the current state of research around salience, framing, explanatory factors and effects of this kind of inequality discourse. We find an overwhelming focus on legacy newspapers and a small number of Global North countries. We argue for research which builds further links between studies of economic inequality and the contemporary study of communication, including moving past obsolete models of media systems, decentering a small selection of Global North countries, and building a more comparative perspective on nationally-grounded inequality discourses.

Suggested Citation

  • Vaughan, Michael & Theine, Hendrik & Schieferdecker, David & Waitkus, Nora, 2025. "Communication about economic inequality: a systematic review," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 128075, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:128075
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/128075/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Spencer Bastani & Daniel Waldenström, 2021. "Perceptions of Inherited Wealth and the Support for Inheritance Taxation," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 88(350), pages 532-569, April.
    2. Savage, Mike & Vaughan, Michael, 2024. "Durability in inequality discourse in the UK public sphere, 2008-2023," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 121597, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Thal, Adam, 2020. "The Desire for Social Status and Economic Conservatism among Affluent Americans," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 114(2), pages 426-442, May.
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    • N0 - Economic History - - General

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