Picturing Afghan Women: A Content Analysis of AP Wire photographs During and Post-Taliban Rule

This study content analyzes the depiction of Afghan women in AP photographs during and after Taliban rule. Analysis is based on visual subordination, point of view, social distance, imaginary contact, behavior and general portrayal. Findings suggest despite signs of visual subordination and framing stereotypes, women under the post-Taliban regime are portrayed as more involved, interactive, more socially intimate and symbolically equal to the viewer. Analysis shows AP photographs portray a more complex version of Afghan women’s liberation. Women under the post-Taliban regime are depicted wearing their borqas, reflecting the complexity of a social liberation movement in a traditional society.

Publisher: Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Communication Association, Marriott Hotel, San Diego, CA, May 27, 2003
Year of Publication: 2003