Looking Through their Lens: Perceiving the Lives of Tabloid Photojournalists

ABSTRACT

This study is an account of the organizational culture and life of tabloid photojournalists. “What does it mean to be a tabloid photojournalist?” and “Why is the world of tabloid photojournalists the way it is?” are the two main queries that were explored through the qualitative research methods of focus interview and participant observation. It drew heavily on the humanistic perspective of sociology and anthropology with relevance to the Organizational Culture theory. Alongside this perspective are the other approaches of symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology, and social constructionism.

The study related the perception and condition of tabloid photojournalists through the stories they shared. With their perspectives considered, an understanding of their customs was gained. It revealed mechanisms by which tabloid photojournalists rationalize their practices as the accepted norm. Their struggles and aspirations are their justifications. This is evident not only in their stories, but in their own language as well whose peculiar terms attest to the meanings and manifestations of their culture. Patterns of similar experiences and sentiments sustain the beliefs and practices of tabloid photojournalists. This was accessed through their insights and observed through their interaction.

Javier, K.D.C. (2010). Looking through their lens: perceiving the lives of tabloid photojournalists. Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication.

View Thesis in flipbook: Perceiving Photo Journalists (UP Webmail Account required)

Subject Index: Photojournalists--Philippines, Corporate culture, Symbolic interactionism, Ethnomethodology, Social constructionism, Perceptions