Traditional in Different Degrees: The Professional Role Conceptions of Male and Female Newspaper Journalists

Abstract

This study examines the professional role conceptions of male and female and newspaper journalists in the United States. Utilizing the four role conception categories developed by Weaver and Wilhoit (1996) and through employment of a sociology of news theoretical framework, this study sought to assess whether female newspaper journalists have incorporated the traditional male values of journalistic culture into their work. Data from a national survey of 456 newspaper journalists (178 women and 278 men) representing 268 daily newspapers reveal that both men and women hold the traditional interpretive/investigative and disseminator role conceptions in high regard. However, women perceive the disseminator role conception as significantly more important than do men. The results suggest that female newspaper journalists have incorporated the traditionally male-centric norms of the profession into their job performance.