ABSTRACT This study examines the intersectional dynamics of gender, socio-economic status, and migration history in data journalism, applying Bourdieu’s field theory to explore how capital is accumulated and how social change can be pursued. Through in-depth interviews with 13 German-speaking data journalists with marginalized identities, the study reveals that their capital accumulation reflects adherence to existing norms and does not automatically lead to transformative agency. Minority characteristics can enhance symbolic capital through increased recognition in specific contexts, but these same characteristics also hinder the accumulation of economic, social, and cultural capital due to smaller networks and lack of social or cultural fit. Due to the paradoxical function of minority characteristics for capital accumulation, data journalists often adopt strategies to fit in by selectively revealing their minority identities. Yet, interviewed data journalists experience subtle discrimination in informal interactions, such as casual conversations with colleagues. While the data journalists want to increase diversity in who participates in playing the field, transformative change remains limited as these journalists primarily focus on succeeding within existing structures rather than altering them. The study advocates for newsroom diversity initiatives that go beyond mere representation, emphasizing the need to share responsibility for inclusivity across all newsroom members.