Constructing Chinese Identity of Naturalized Athletes: A Media Content Analysis of Chinese Coverage in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games
| Type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Publish Date | |
| Conference | 110th National Communication Association Annual Convention (NCA 2024) |
| Location | New Orleans, USA |
Research Question
How did Chinese central news media construct Eileen Gu's national identity during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and how did their coverage legitimize her naturalization?
Methodology
A search across 18 central news organizations yielded 164 eligible articles from 13 sources, published during the Games. Quantitative content analysis, supplemented by qualitative textual analysis, examined the identity features used to present Gu as Chinese.
Key Findings
Coverage emphasized Gu's Chinese identity and sporting contribution. References to Chinese traditions and values were more prominent than shared ethnicity or territory, while shifts in identity labels suggested caution around nationality. The findings show how media framing constructed national identity and legitimized Gu's naturalization.
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