The feminisation of journalism studies: an analysis of the Spanish case

This study explores the feminisation of journalism studies in Spain, assessing the extent to which female dominance in academic environments translates into professional inclusion. Drawing on data from 25 Spanish universities and detailed academic performance records from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), the research identifies a persistent trend: women consistently outnumber men among journalism graduates, accounting for over 65% nationally. However, this academic advantage does not translate into equal professional opportunities. Despite outperforming their male peers in academic results, female journalists face greater job insecurity, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and limited influence in media organisations. The findings reveal a mismatch between academic feminisation and labour market integration, leading to what scholars term "pseudofeminisation". This paper argues that increased female enrolment in journalism does not equate to structural transformation in the profession. The results underscore the need for further studies on how institutional cultures and workplace dynamics hinder genuine gender equality in journalism. This analysis contributes to the broader discourse on gender, education, and professional equity within media fields, and calls for policy measures to address the underlying structural imbalances.