A multidimensional examination of child mortality in Turkey: Media representations and professional perspectives
Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/10911359.2026.2737242
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, CINAHL, Criminal Justice Abstracts, EBSCO Education Source, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Criminal Justice Periodical Index, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Criminology Collection (ProQuest), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Humanities Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Child mortality, child protection, media representation, multidisciplinary intervention, structural inequalities
- İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet
Özet
Child mortality is often framed narrowly as a health issue, yet it reflects deeper structural inequalities, institutional deficiencies, and societal factors. This qualitative study investigates the representations of child deaths in Turkey by analyzing media discourse and the professional experiences of those working with children. Utilizing content analysis of 278 news articles from Cumhuriyet newspaper (2000–2024) alongside in-depth interviews with 25 professionals from social work, psychology, law, midwifery, and education, the research reveals divergent narratives: media portrayals tend to individualize and dramatize incidents, whereas professionals emphasize systemic causes such as social determinants, policy gaps, and institutional failures. The findings underscore the critical role of media visibility in shaping public awareness and highlight the need for interdisciplinary, rights-based approaches to prevention. Ultimately, the study calls for integrated policy frameworks that address child mortality through social justice, legal accountability, and cross-sector collaboration, moving beyond health-centric paradigms to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.