Still a 'Blokes Club': The Motherhood Dilemma in Journalism

Abstract

The largest survey of female journalists working in the Australian news media was undertaken in 2012 and asked participants to respond to questions about perceived gender discrimination in working conditions. This article focuses on participant responses in relation to promotional opportunities. The keys themes that arose centred on the impact of childcare responsibilities and a masculine newsroom culture that worked to exclude them. A total of 577 female journalists working in broadcast, print and online platforms from all states and territories and in regional/rural, metropolitan and suburban news publications responded to the online survey. Most respondents articulated a perception of gender bias around the issue of promotional opportunities but often blamed themselves and/or their child-rearing responsibilities for their lack of opportunity. The responses indicate an ongoing and systemic gender bias that disadvantages women, particularly mothers, and has been largely left unacknowledged in Australian media debates.

Keywords: Australian newsworkers, female journalists, gender bias, gendered newsroom, motherhood and work