Reconciling gender expectations with journalism: Reconstructing women journalists’ collective memories of covering COVID-19
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
Department/School
Communication, Media and Theatre Arts
Publication Title
Journalism Practice
Abstract
This study reconstructs women journalists’ collective memories of covering the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, focusing on the clashes between gender expectations and professional demands in the workplace, at home, and in society. Oral history interviews with 33 women journalists from 25 countries and regions confirmed that gender inequalities exist in newsroom assignments, recognition and leadership, family duties, and the likelihood of encountering harassment from colleagues, sources, authorities, and public members. Nevertheless, women journalists add diversity to perspectives and story topics to the pandemic journalism. Their reporting highlights the marginalized groups and investigates issues that particularly affect the women population. This project preserves women journalists’ sensemaking of a significant global event and recognizes their efforts and contributions to document diverse pandemic experiences while overcoming gender-specific challenges.
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Li, Y. (2026). Reconciling gender expectations with journalism: Reconstructing women journalists’ collective memories of covering COVID-19. Journalism Practice, 20(8), 2479–2498. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2025.2461221
Comments
Y. Li is a faculty member in EMU's School of Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts.