Sozialanwaltschaftliche Interessenvermittlung. Die Armutsbereichterstattung der Wohlfahrtsverbande

In: Neue soziale Bewegungen: Forschungsjournal, Volume 10, Issue 2, p. 51-62

Abstract

A content analysis of the coverage of poverty in the publications of several private welfare organizations in the Federal Republic of Germany (eg, Caritas) argues that such coverage is a function of strategic & political considerations. Goals include reducing external criticism of members, improving organizations' public image, & promoting contributions/funding. Strategies include defining & framing issues advantageously & negotiating specific relationships with the state. The desire to protect state cooperation typically results in a moderation of political demands, though a trend toward more confrontation is evident in increased criticism of welfare curtailments. It is concluded that welfare organizations may succeed in directing public attention to the problem of poverty, but that, in doing so, they risk propagating a view of the poor as helpless victims & instrumentalizing them to promote organizational interests. 28 References. Adapted from the source document.