Paradox of the Pariah: Toward a Weberian Understanding of Modern Journalism

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.