Ninth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges of online harassment faced by women journalists, spotlighting their efforts to confront the deeply rooted Brahmanical Patriarchy in 21st-century India. While global in scope, the digital age has amplified the marginalization of Indian women journalists. The interplay of Brahmanical Patriarchy and caste-based misogyny adds layers of complexity to the challenges encountered by these women within the ever-evolving media landscape. The research objectives include: a) Investigating how women journalists engage in digital activism and share their experiences within the context of Brahmanical Patriarchy. b) Analyzing the psychological and emotional repercussions of incessant online harassment in the context of broader global discussions on gender, activism, and digital harassment. Qualitative data analysis technique is used on transcripts from 20 in-person interviews conducted across India. These interviews offer in-depth insights into the consequences of digital harassment. Following online surveys involving 180 women journalists, 20 interviewees were purposively selected from those who had experienced online harassment. To ensure anonymity, all interview transcripts were anonymized. The analysis combines Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis. The findings highlight the enduring influence of caste-based discrimination, particularly Brahmanical Patriarchy, which significantly hinders the professional development and contributions of educated women journalists, especially those from marginalized caste backgrounds. The study also uncovers the distressing psychological and emotional toll exacted by online harassment, extending beyond the digital realm, invading the personal and professional lives of these journalists. This research represents a vital step toward advancing women’s rights and freedom in the field of journalism.