Media Narratives and Gender in the First Murder Cases Sentenced to Revisable Permanent Imprisonment in Spain

This study explores the media construction of gender identities in the context of the first two cases of permanent revisable imprisonment in Spain, analyzing how the media shape and perpetuate gender norms related to crime and justice. Both cases, which involve the murders of minors within the family setting, are emblematic due to their historical significance and the precedents they set in the Spanish judicial system. The research examines how the gender of the accused—a man in one case and a woman in the other—affects media narratives, focusing on identifying any significant variations in the portrayal of the perpetrators.

Using an interdisciplinary approach that integrates sociology, criminology, and media studies, this study analyzes media coverage from the disclosure of the events through to the sentencing, including news articles, reports, and expert opinions. Special attention is given to how the media not only transmit existing gender norms but also actively contribute to the construction and reinforcement of gender identities within the criminal context. Additionally, the study investigates potential discrepancies between media representation and the judicial process, exploring the impact of these narratives on public perception and legal outcomes.

Positioned at the intersection of gender studies and media critique, this work provides a critical perspective on the role of the media in perpetuating gender stereotypes, as well as their potential to challenge and transform these norms in contexts of significant social importance. The findings are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of gender dynamics in the media representation of criminality and their influence on power structures in contemporary society.