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International Journal of Social Welfare
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
Data sources: Crossref
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Social perceptions and representations of unaccompanied foreign minors on social media

Authors: Lima Fernández, Ana Isabel; Fresno García, Miguel del; Pérez Viejo, Jesús Manuel; Segado Sánchez-Cabezudo, Sagrario;

Social perceptions and representations of unaccompanied foreign minors on social media

Abstract

AbstractThe migration of unaccompanied foreign minors (UAMs) to Europe has become a prominent issue, particularly in Spain, due to its geographic proximity to North Africa. This study explores the social perceptions and representations of UAMs on social media, analyzing the dominant narratives and their impact on public opinion. Employing mixed‐methods analysis, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches, we examine discourse structures and the amplification of polarized narratives around UAMs. Findings reveal a prevailing narrative of criminalization and security concerns, with frequent portrayals of UAMs as threats, which are amplified through social media's echo chamber effect and by influential network leaders. Conversely, a minority narrative highlighting their vulnerability and human rights needs is less visible, suppressed by the spiral of silence phenomenon. These polarized narratives significantly influence public perceptions, reinforcing stereotypes and shaping potential policies. The study emphasizes the importance of balanced, rights‐based communication strategies to counteract negative representations and foster an inclusive public discourse surrounding UAMs.

Country
Spain
Keywords

Polarization,, Social media, Spain, Unaccompanied foreign minors (UAMs), 5910.02 Medios de comunicación de masas, Digital discourse, Migration policies, Social perceptions, Criminalization, Social representations, Spiral of silence

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    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
1
Average
Average
Average
Green