SÅ GÖR DU JOURNALISTKARRIÄR: Var man, Var vit, Var medelklass

Abstract

Title: Så gör du journalistkarriär: Var man, var vit, var medelklass Authors: Saga Aschan Kjellström, Isak Berndtsson & Maja Skvagerson Level: Bachelor thesis in Journalism Term: HT 2024 Supervisor: Jenny Wiik This study investigates how Swedish journalists with five to fifteen years of experience in the industry perceive the impact of different factors such as gender, ethnicity, class background, and social networks on their career development. The theoretical framework consists of Pierre Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus combined with Hodkinson and Sparkes’ careership theory, focusing on how individual agency interacts with structural constraints in career decision-making. The methodology follows qualitative interviews with ten journalists in order to capture their experiences and perspectives about what has affected their journalistic careers. Important results of the study shows that gender, education and ethnicity is perceived to significantly influence journalists' professional opportunities, with women and individuals from minority backgrounds facing challenges in advancing within the industry. Social networks were identified as a positive factor, with access to influential networks often contingent upon class and educational background. Furthermore, structural challenges, such as economic limitations are also perceived to affect the careers of journalists. Additionally, the study shows that journalists experience that performance and competence play a crucial part in journalists' careers. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the systematic barriers within journalism and may offer inspiration into how the industry might become more equal and representative which will contribute to the democracy in Sweden