Shattering the illusion of the disappearance of the glass ceiling in journalism: a case study approach to presenting the inside story

Pate, A. G. (2014) Shattering the illusion of the disappearance of the glass ceiling in journalism: a case study approach to presenting the inside story. Journal of Academic Perspectives, 2014(2),

Abstract

Journalism as a profession is arguably one that has high ideals and principled values at its heart, not least through its function as the fourth estate. However, the media can be reluctant to voluntarily undertake any examination and open dialogue in terms of its own professional practices – particularly in relation to the issue of gender equality and the advancement of women into management roles. This paper will present the findings of an extensive study into gender equality in journalism and challenges the hypotheses of some commentators that the glass ceiling has long since been shattered in media organizations. The methodological approach was influenced by phenomenology, which gives value to the relevance of ‘experience’. This case study focuses specifically on the profession of journalism in the United Kingdom and examined the experiences of women journalists who worked in different types of media between 1968 and 2013. It involved a mixed methods approach commencing with a survey completed by 176 female journalists, of whom 29 were interviewed. The findings show that the majority of those who have worked in the profession during this timescale are of the view that the glass ceiling in journalism continues to exist, although to a varying extent in different types of journalism. The data shows that the hypothesis that such barriers on the grounds of gender are no longer an issue in journalism is a myth – with opportunities open only to a few ‘token’ women. The conclusions reached are that, in the experience of the participants, due to the continued existence of the glass ceiling, women journalists have limited career options: either to make a move sideways or to leave the profession altogether. It is concluded that the status quo is being maintained by the continued existence of a heavily male-dominated culture in the profession.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Pate, Dr Amanda
• Authors: Pate, A. G.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General); H Social Sciences > HM Sociology; H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
• College/School: University Services > Learning and Teaching Services Division
• Journal Name: Journal of Academic Perspectives
• Publisher: Academic Perspectives
• ISSN: 2328-8264