Paradox of the Pariah

Toward a Weberian Understanding of Modern Journalism

Bibliographic Data

ID5778857
AuthorsGilles Bastin (0000-0001-5892-4730, Université Grenoble Alpes, corresponding author)
Year2013
Volume13
Issue2
Pages216-236
Publication date2013-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMax Weber Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1470-8078 • E-ISSN: 2056-4074
PublisherProject MUSE (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1353/max.2013.a808762
OpenAlexW4379643570
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited49

In his 1919 lecture on the profession and vocation of politics (Politik als Beruf)-probably the best-known and most-read contribution of the German sociologist to the study of journalism-Max Weber refers to journalists as a sort of 'pariah caste'. This metaphor is analyzed here as a cue to understand Weber's portrayal of the two 'aspects' of the condition of journalists in modern media: their market situation and their ethical situation ('character' or 'personality'). This article explores both dimensions of modern journalism with a Weberian lens and intends to contribute to a renewed sociology of journalism. The history of journalistic bylines is used as a case study to illustrate the dynamics of 'personality' and 'anonymity' that lies at the heart of journalism and that every journalist as pariah has to address

Epistemology · Journalism · Media studies · Newspaper · Pariah group · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Law · Media Studies and Communication · Philosophy · Public Relations and Crisis Communication · Weber, Simmel, Sociological Theory