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. Adapted from the source document.