Routledge Handbook of Humanitarian Communication

The Routledge Handbook of Humanitarian Communication is a comprehensive guide to research in the academic sub-field of humanitarian communication, focusing on communication that presents human vulnerability as a cause for public concern. It brings together diverse fields, theoretical frameworks, and methodological approaches, and consolidates existing knowledge to map out an emerging field of interdisciplinary knowledge production on media, communication, and humanitarianism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 470 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Handbook of Humanitarian Communication is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to research in the academic sub-field of humanitarian communication. It focuses on communication that presents human vulnerability as a cause for public concern, encompassing communication related to humanitarian aid and development, human rights, and humanitarian wars. In recent years, there has been a significant expansion of critical scholarship on humanitarian communication across various academic fields, recognizing the importance of media and communications in understanding humanitarianism as an agent of transnational power, global governance, and cosmopolitan solidarity.

The Handbook brings these diverse fields together, engaging with their theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and public debates that shape the contemporary politics of humanitarianism. It consolidates existing knowledge and maps out this emerging field as an important site of interdisciplinary knowledge production on media, communication, and humanitarianism.

Rather than being a collection of texts with a similar theme, the Handbook is a coherent intellectual contribution that systematizes current critical scholarship in terms of Domains, Methods, and Issues. It sets an agenda for emerging and evolving research priorities in the field. Comprising 26 chapters written by international scholars who have contributed to laying the foundation of the field, this volume provides an essential guide to the key ideas, issues, concepts, and debates of humanitarian communication.

The Handbook is divided into four parts:

Part I: Theoretical Frameworks and Concepts

This part explores the theoretical frameworks and concepts that underpin humanitarian communication. It examines the role of media and communication in shaping public perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards humanitarian crises. It also explores the ethical dimensions of humanitarian communication, including issues of representation, power dynamics, and the responsibility of media and communication professionals.

Part II: Methods and Approaches

This part provides an overview of the various methods and approaches used in humanitarian communication research. It discusses the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as interviews, surveys, focus groups, and content analysis. It also explores the role of new media and digital technologies in humanitarian communication, including social media, mobile communication, and online platforms.

Part III: Case Studies and Examples

This part showcases real-world case studies and examples of effective humanitarian communication. It examines the communication strategies and practices employed by humanitarian organizations, government agencies, and grassroots groups in response to various humanitarian crises, such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics. It also explores the challenges and opportunities faced by humanitarian communicators in different contexts.

Part IV: Emerging Trends and Challenges

This part examines the emerging trends and challenges in humanitarian communication. It explores the role of humanitarian communication in promoting social justice, human rights, and gender equality. It also examines the challenges of communicating in complex and unstable environments, such as post-conflict societies and refugee camps.

In conclusion, The Routledge Handbook of Humanitarian Communication is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in understanding the complex dynamics of humanitarian communication. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the field, engaging with theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and real-world case studies. By consolidating existing knowledge and setting an agenda for emerging research priorities, the Handbook contributes to the development of humanitarian communication as an important field of study.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032081212