När båtarna sattes i vattnet
Genus och klass i Svenska Dagbladets och Aftonbladets rapportering om Titanic-katastrofen
The purpose of this paper is to examine the image of the Titanic disaster in two Swedish newspapers reports of the disaster. By analysing various newspapers reporting of the disaster, we wish to investigate whether there are differences in reporting of gender and class in order to say something about the contemporary outlook and the prevailing social beliefs.The source material that the study is based upon comes from the Swedish newspapers Aftonbladet and Svenska Dagbladet and their reports from the 15 April to the 30 April 1912 and the reporting from the time of the sea-hearings completion (22 May and 31 July 1912).The study finds that news reporting follows the same standards, however, are different in style of performance because of the newspapers' differing positions.The study finds that a distinction is made between the reporting of men's and women's behaviour. Whether a man followed or violated norms leads him criticized or praised in the newspapers. Women's behaviour is hailed independent if they followed the standard of what was feminine or masculine behaviour in a disaster.The study also finds that a distinction is made between passengers of the various classes in the reporting. The majority of reports concerning individuals in the First Class are in positive terms. Second Class is mentioned sparingly. Third Class passengers often stand as examples of improper behaviour. Third Class passengers are not mentioned as individuals in the reporting, in addition to the list of Swedish passengers. From the study of the newspapers reports the conclusion is that the upper social classes? behaviour is acceptable and should be transferred to the lower social classes. The upper class will stand as a beacon for the whole community.